_By Adesakin Adefemi_
_November 29, 2025_
The Nigerian Army Council has approved the promotion of 28 Brigadier Generals to Major General and 77 Colonels to Brigadier General, a strategic move to bolster the country’s defence leadership, announced Thursday, 27 November 2025.
The elevations, disclosed by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, are part of efforts to enhance operational command amid evolving security challenges.
Among those promoted to Major General:
– Brig Gen O Adegbe (Defence Intelligence Agency),
– Brig Gen SM Uba (Director, Defence Information),
– Brig Gen RE Hedima (Acting Chief of Military Intelligence),
– Brig Gen RT Utsaha (Deputy Director, Defence Operations),
– Brig Gen AM Umar (Commandant, Warrant Officer Academy).
Brig Gen ZA Saidu was promoted posthumously, honoured for service.
Promoted to Brigadier General include:
– Col Y Ibrahim (Army Resource Centre, Abuja),
– Col NN Gambo (Civil-Military Affairs HQ),
– Col A Saidu (Finance Corps HQ),
– Col KR Apata (Provost Group HQ),
– Col MK Akpuogwu (Op Whirl Stroke JTF).
Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu congratulated the officers, stressing, “Your elevation demands more: lead with excellence, inspire teams, innovate.” He directed they tackle threats decisively, prioritising Nigeria’s safety. “Uphold your oath—defend Nigeria’s integrity. No compromise,” he emphasised.
The promotions span key areas: intelligence, operations, logistics, medical corps. Brig Gen WL Nzidee (Logistics HQ), Brig Gen SA Emmanuel (Signals), Brig Gen SS Tilawan (Sector 3, Op HADIN KAI) lead deployments. This follows recent security pressures—kidnappings, banditry. Shaibu urged adaptability: “Evolving threats need swift, bold responses.” Training, synergy with agencies, community trust were stressed.
The Army Council trusts the new leaders to shape a safer Nigeria. Families of promotees were congratulated. “This is a call to serve with distinction,” Shaibu added, noting promotions reinforce the Army’s mission to protect citizens.
In separate remarks, military analysts praised the move as “a boost to counter-terrorism efforts.” With Boko Haram and bandits active, the reshuffle signals “tactical depth,” says security expert Dr. Aisha Umar. “Expect heightened operations.”
The promotions also recognise service in peacekeeping, humanitarian missions. Brig Gen MO Agi (TETFUND Desk, NDA) and Brig Gen IM Abbas (34 Brigade) were cited for leadership in education and counter insurgency.
