The Army Council officially announced the promotion of numerous senior officers within the Nigerian Army, elevating them to higher ranks in recognition of their service and dedication on Thursday, December 19, 2024. A total of 35 Brigadier Generals have been promoted to the rank of Major General, alongside 73 Colonels who have ascended to the rank of Brigadier General.
Among those who earned the rank of Major General are notable figures such as Brigadier General A. Garba, Acting Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army; Brigadier General U.M. Alkali, Deputy Chief of Administration in the Directorate of Veteran Affairs; and Brigadier General A.G.L. Haruna, Acting General Officer Commanding the 7 Division and Commander of Sector 1 in the ongoing Operation HADIN KAI. Other prominent officers promoted include Brigadier General I.A. Ajose, Acting General Officer Commanding the 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2 in Operation FANSAN YAMA, and Brigadier General N.B. Ebulue, associated with the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
A comprehensive list of promotions includes several key commanders and directors, such as Brigadier General L.G. Lepdung, Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE; Brigadier General O.A. Awolo, Director of Military Training at the Nigerian Defence Academy; and Brigadier General U.G. Ogeleka, Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command. Additional promotions recognize the leadership of Brigadier Generals involved in various sectors, including logistics, special services, and military training.
Among those elevated from Colonel to Brigadier General are Col. S.M. Iliya, Commander of the 43 Engineers Brigade, and Col. O. Igwe, Commander of the 78 Supply and Transport. Other noteworthy promotions within this group include Col. NE Udofia from the Nigerian Army Electrical Mechanical Engineers and Col. T. Garba, who commands the 77 Supply and Transport Brigade.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted officers and their families. He emphasized the importance of their new roles, urging them to exemplify integrity and leadership as they advance in rank. General Oluyede called for innovative solutions to address the pressing security challenges facing Nigeria today. He reminded the promoted officers of their solemn commitment to national defense, urging them to maintain unwavering loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This significant reshuffle in ranks highlights the Army’s commitment to recognizing merit and fostering leadership as it navigates through contemporary security issues. The promotions are viewed as a strategic move to not only enhance operational effectiveness but also to inspire a new generation of military leadership dedicated to serving the nation.
