By Nkechi Eze
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, on Tuesday decorated five newly promoted senior officers with the rank of Brigadier General, charging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and strategic leadership as they assume expanded responsibilities in the counterinsurgency theatre.
The colourful decoration ceremony, held at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, drew serving and retired senior military officers, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, as well as families and friends of the newly promoted officers. This was disclosed in an official signed statement by the Media Information Officer, OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
Congratulating the officers, Major General Abubakar described their elevation as a well-earned recognition of exceptional performance, competence and unwavering commitment to the nation’s security. He reiterated the strategic significance of OPHK, noting that it remains the “flagship theatre of the Nigerian Armed Forces with the largest fighting troops in sub-Saharan Africa,” and stressed that their deployment and promotion were deliberate and based on merit.
The Theatre Commander expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for approving the promotions, describing the newly decorated generals as “excellent officers and the engine room of OPHK.” He urged them to remain loyal to the Constitution, lead by example, pursue continuous professional development and sustain the highest standards of service delivery.
Major General Abubakar also acknowledged the indispensable role of the officers’ families, stressing that their support contributes significantly to the effectiveness and career progression of the newly promoted generals. He noted that the elevation marks not only personal achievement but also a reflection of collective dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Essen Efanga, praised the officers for their resilience, professionalism and outstanding service. He described the promotion as a major milestone, noting that as Brigadier Generals they now transition from operational implementers to strategic policy contributors. He charged them to redouble their efforts, uphold military values and advance national security objectives.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Brigadier General Ikechukwu Ogundele expressed gratitude to God and thanked the COAS for the confidence reposed in them. He also appreciated the Theatre Commander for his exemplary leadership and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, for consistent mentorship. He pledged that the officers would remain steadfast, loyal and committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The newly promoted Brigadier Generals are Ikechukwu Ogundele, Abubakar Sale, Suleiman Muhammed, Abdullafeef Idris and Yusuf Kawu.
The event featured their formal decoration, goodwill messages, remarks from senior military officers, group photographs and a brief reception.
