The Nigerian Army has announced a significant promotion exercise affecting 105 senior officers across various commands and formations. The Army Council gave its official approval for the elevation on Thursday, November 27, 2025, marking one of the most substantial military promotions in recent times.
Comprehensive Breakdown of Promotions
The promotion list includes 28 Brigadier Generals elevated to Major General and 77 Colonels promoted to Brigadier General. This strategic move comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the military's leadership structure and reward outstanding service.
The announcement was formally made through a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele. The development occurred simultaneously with similar promotion exercises in other branches of the armed forces, with the Air Council promoting 57 senior officers and the Navy Board approving the elevation of 127 senior officers on the same day.
Notable Promotions to Major General
Among the prominent officers elevated to the rank of Major General are several key figures in Nigeria's defence architecture. O. Adegbe of the Defence Intelligence Agency and S. M. Uba, the Director of Defence Information (DDI) feature prominently on the list. Other significant promotions include R. E. Hedima, the Acting Chief of Military Intelligence Army and R. T. Utsaha, the Deputy Director of Defence Operations.
The promotion exercise also recognized officers in specialized institutions and command positions. A. M. Umar, Commandant of the Warrant Officer Academy and S. Sulaiman, the Deputy Military Secretary (Army) were among those elevated. The list further includes I. O. Bassey, Director of the Nigerian Army Operations Centre and C. A. Ekeator of the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.
In a poignant moment, the council approved the posthumous promotion of Z. A. Saidu, honoring his service and sacrifice to the nation.
Colonels Elevated to Brigadier General
The promotion of 77 Colonels to Brigadier General represents a significant infusion of fresh leadership talent into the army's middle management. Notable among these promotions are Y. Ibrahim of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja and N. N. Gambo serving at the Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs.
Operational commanders featured prominently in this category, with K. O. Bukoye, the Commander of 401 Special Forces Brigade and M. K. Akpuogwu of Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke among those recognized for their field leadership.
The medical corps also saw significant representation with promotions including O. Adole of Headquarters Nigerian Army Medical Corps, J. A. Ikagba of 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, and G. S. Chohwore of 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital.
Leadership Charge to Newly Promoted Officers
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, extended his congratulations to all the promoted officers while challenging them to justify their new ranks through enhanced performance. Shaibu charged the officers to intensify their professional drive and prove beyond doubt that their elevation is well-deserved.
In his address, the Army Chief emphasized the need for exemplary leadership and personal conduct that would inspire subordinates. He specifically urged the newly promoted officers to cultivate bold, innovative and unconventional solutions capable of delivering swift and decisive responses to the nation's evolving security threats.
This comprehensive promotion exercise represents a strategic repositioning of the Nigerian Army's leadership structure, potentially enhancing operational effectiveness across various theatres of operation. The timing suggests a deliberate effort to strengthen command capabilities ahead of anticipated security challenges in the coming year.
