Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, decorated five newly promoted senior officers with the rank of Brigadier General.
The colourful investiture ceremony, held at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, drew a distinguished audience, including serving and retired military top brass, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, families, friends and well-wishers.
In his address, Major General Abubakar congratulated the newly decorated officers, describing their elevation as a testament to their hard work, professional competence and steadfast commitment to national service. He highlighted OPHK as the “flagship theatre of the Nigerian Armed Forces with the largest fighting force in sub-Saharan Africa,” stressing that their deployment and promotion were both deliberate and well-earned.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for approving the promotions, noting that the officers were “excellent personnel and the engine room of OPHK.”
Charging them to remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Theatre Commander urged the new Brigadier Generals to lead by example, pursue continuous professional development and maintain the highest standards of dedication and service delivery.
Major General Abubakar also paid tribute to their families, acknowledging that the unwavering support of their spouses had greatly enhanced their effectiveness and career progression. He stated that the promotion was not only an individual accomplishment but also a collective affirmation of their commitment to the Nigerian Army and the nation.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Essen Efanga, commended the officers for their resilience, professionalism and exceptional service. He described their promotion as a significant milestone, noting that as Brigadier Generals, they now occupy crucial leadership positions—transitioning from operational implementers to strategic policy-makers.
Air Vice Marshal Efanga urged them to intensify their efforts, uphold the highest military standards and contribute robustly to national security and the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Brigadier General Ikechukwu Ogundele expressed gratitude to God and thanked the COAS for endorsing their promotion. He also appreciated the Theatre Commander for his exemplary leadership and the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, for his consistent guidance throughout their careers.
He further acknowledged their families, friends and well-wishers, pledging that the officers would remain resolute and committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Those elevated to the rank of Brigadier General are Ikechukwu Ogundele, Abubakar Sale, Suleiman Muhammed, Abdullafeef Idris and Yusuf Kawu.
The ceremony featured the formal decoration of the officers, goodwill messages, speeches from senior commanders, light refreshments and group photographs.
