Army Headquarters Redeploys 30 Generals

A major shake-up was carried out yesterday by the Nigerian Army leading to the redeployment of no fewer than 30 Generals. The exercise was carried out under the army’s fourth quarter posting and appointment of its senior officers in most of its formations. It affected the army spokesman, Brig- Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who has been replaced by Brig-Gen. Olajide Laleye.

Some of the affected senior officers areMaj-Gen. John Kwabe, who is now chief of Logistics Defence Headquarters, Maj- Gen. Ugo Buzugbe, commander Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Maj- Gen. Ebiobowei Awala, military secretary (Army), Maj-Gen. Olufemi Adeosun, director Policy Defence Headquarters, Maj- Gen. John Nwaoga, general officer Commanding 3 Division, and Maj- Gen. Chris Olukolade, who is retained as the director, Defence Information,

In a statement signed by its outgoing director of Public Relations, Brig-Gen Attahiru, the army also announces Maj-Gen. Sunday Adebayo, as the commander Nigerian Army Education Corps, Maj-Gen. Mohammed  Idris, Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj-Gen. Mobolaji Koleoso, director Armed Forces Simulation Centre, Maj-Gen. Letam Wiwa, Director Military Intelligence, Major General Patrick Akem, Director Legal Service (Army), Maj-Gen. Charley Okoro, director Peace Keeping Operations Defence Headquarters, and Maj- Gen. Obidah Ethan, Chief of Civil Military Affairs.

Another round of promotions would come up early next year in the army as soon as some senior officers who are due for retirement go. Already the last promotion exercise in the armed forces has created apprehension among the officers who lost out in it.

Some of the officers, who have written three promotion tests without being elevated might be retired because the tradition in the army is for such officers to go.

Others affected in yesterday’s exercise are Maj- Gen. Junaid Bindawa, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maj-Gen. Modibbo Alkali, commandant Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Maj-Gen. Shehu Yusuf, commandant Depot Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Ahmed Mohammed, commander Nigerian Army Training Centre, and Maj- Gen. Iliyasu Abbah, commander Joint Task Force (Operation Pulo Shield).

According to the army, Brig-Gen. Arinze Ebenebe, is now the commandant Warrant Officers Academy, Brig-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, director of Army Reserve Recruitment and Resettlement, Brig-Gen. Kasimu Abdulkarim, director of Physical Training, Brig-Gen. Enitan Ransome-Kuti, commander Multi-National Joint Task Force, Brig-Gen. Ibe Nicholas, commander 23 Brigade, Brig-Gen. Ohifeme Ejemai, commander 9 Brigade, and Brig-Gen. Bright Fibionumama, commander 3 Brigade.

There are also Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, commander 13 Brigade, Brig- Gen. Mustapha Onoyiveta, head Nigerian Army Operations Monitoring Team, Brig- Gen. Lanre Bello, commander 34 Brigade and Brig- Gen. Olajide Laleye, director Army Public Relations among others.

With the development, some of the senior officers in the army are to be retired either for age or years of service while others would go for technical reasons.