The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, decorated five senior officers newly elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, drew serving and retired military officers, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, families and well-wishers.
In his remarks, Major General Abubakar commended the officers for their hard work, competence and steadfast dedication to service, describing their promotion as well-deserved. He reiterated the strategic importance of OPHK, which he noted remains the “flagship theatre of the Nigerian Armed Forces with the largest fighting troops in sub-Saharan Africa.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for approving the promotions, adding that the newly promoted officers represent the “engine room of OPHK.” He urged them to remain loyal to the Constitution and continue to demonstrate exemplary leadership and professionalism.
The Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Essen Efanga, described the officers’ elevation as a major career milestone, noting that their new rank places them at the strategic leadership level of policy formulation. He encouraged them to uphold the highest military standards and further contribute to national security and operational efficiency.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Brigadier General Ikechukwu Ogundele thanked God and appreciated the COAS, the Theatre Commander and the GOC 7 Division, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, for their support and mentorship. He also acknowledged their families and promised that the officers would remain committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The newly promoted Brigadier Generals are Ikechukwu Ogundele, Abubakar Sale, Suleiman Muhammed, Abdullafeef Idris and Yusuf Kawu. The event featured the formal decoration of the officers, goodwill messages, refreshments and group photographs.
