Theatre Commander decorates five newly promoted Brigadier Generals with new ranks

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has decorated five newly promoted Brigadier Generals with their new ranks.

The colourful investiture ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, and was attended by serving and retired senior military officers, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, families, friends and well-wishers.

In his address, Major General Abubakar congratulated the officers and described their promotion as recognition of their hard work, competence and unwavering commitment to service.

He noted that OPHK remains the flagship theatre of the Nigerian Armed Forces with the largest fighting force in sub-Saharan Africa, adding that the deployment and subsequent elevation of the officers were deliberate and well deserved.

A statement by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, quoted the commander as expressing gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the promotions and describing the officers as “excellent officers and the engine room of OPHK”.

Major General Abubakar charged them to remain loyal to the Constitution, lead by example, embrace continuous professional development and sustain the highest standards of dedication and service delivery. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by the officers’ families in their career progression.

The Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Ebimobo Essen Efanga, praised the promotees for their resilience and professionalism, noting that their new rank places them in strategic leadership positions where they transition from implementers to policy-makers.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Brigadier General Ikechukwu Ogundele thanked God, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander and the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, for their support and mentorship. He pledged that the newly promoted officers would remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The newly promoted Brigadier Generals are: Ikechukwu Ogundele, Abubakar Sale, Suleiman Muhammed, Abdullafeez Idris and Yusuf Kawu.