By Bavoriat Clara
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 with the rank of Brigadier General following their recent promotion.
The colourful investiture ceremony, held at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, was attended by serving and retired senior military officers, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, as well as families, friends and well-wishers of the newly promoted officers.
In his remarks, Major General Abubakar congratulated the officers on their elevation, describing the promotion as a recognition of their hard work, competence and unwavering commitment to service. He noted that Operation HADIN KAI remains the flagship theatre of the Nigerian Armed Forces with the largest fighting force in sub-Saharan Africa, adding that the selection and promotion of the officers were deliberate and well-deserved.
The Theatre Commander expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for approving the promotions, describing the officers as excellent leaders and the engine room of OPHK.
He charged the newly promoted Brigadier Generals to remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, lead by example and sustain the highest standards of professionalism and dedication, while embracing continuous self-development to enhance service delivery.
Major General Abubakar also acknowledged the critical role played by the officers’ families, particularly their spouses, whose support he said contributes significantly to their effectiveness and career advancement. He stressed that the promotion represents not only a personal achievement but also a collective contribution to the growth and success of the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
In a goodwill message, the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Essen Efanga, described the promotion as a major career milestone, commending the officers for their resilience, professionalism and exemplary service. He noted that their new rank places them in strategic leadership positions, marking a transition from operational execution to policy formulation.
Air Vice Marshal Efanga urged the officers to redouble their efforts, uphold the highest military standards and continue to contribute meaningfully to national security and the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Brigadier General Ikechukwu Ogundele expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for approving their elevation. He also thanked the Theatre Commander for his exemplary leadership and the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, for the consistent guidance and mentorship provided throughout their careers.
Brigadier General Ogundele further expressed appreciation to their families, friends and well-wishers for their unwavering support, pledging that the officers would remain 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 the formal decoration of the officers, goodwill messages, refreshments and group photographs.
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