Boko Haram: Army Appoints New Commanders

The Nigerian Army hierarchy has taken a drastic measure to infuse fresh ideas and tactics in the fight against insurgence and terrorism. To this end, there were shake up and appointments of new commanders to head the various sectors in the ongoing counter-insurgency war in the North East and other security operations across the country. 

This is just as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Butatai, has also directed the new commanders to be more committed and take full charge until they are properly relieved, in line with standard operating procedures and military professional ethics.

Director, army public relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, who made this known in statement, said the redeployment is to inject new hands in the fight against terrorism, which is ravaging some states in the northeastern part of the country.

Under the new arrangement, Major General O.T. Akinjobi is now the commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole, while Major General M.G. Ali has been appointed commander of the newly created Nigerian Army Special Forces Command.

Usman’s statement, made available to the press Nigeria Army, reads: “In order to inject new hands in the fight against terrorism and other operations, the Nigerian Army has authorised the posting and appointments of some of its senior officers. Those affected by the new posting and appointments include some staff officers and commanders at various levels. 

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Meanwhile, THE Nigerian Army has said that its soldiers on counter-insurgency operations in the North East have arrested two members of the Boko Haram terror group and killed one of the terrorists. The soldiers, who were on a fighting patrol in conjunction with some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, also recovered several arms and ammunition form the terrorists during the encounter along Yachida, Korongelen, Bombula and Forfor axis in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The director, army public relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, listed items recovered from the terrorists as one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 36 hand grenades, magazine pouch and a motorcycle.

Usman, in a statement, however, lamented that two soldiers sustained injuries but they have been evacuated to 28 Task Force Brigade Field Ambulance for medical attention.