Army War College Gets New Boss as Major General Umar Takes Over from Alkali
Abuja, Nigeria—October 24, 2026—The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) has witnessed a formal change of command as Major General Umar Alkali handed over leadership to Major General Aminu Mohammed Umar in a ceremony held at the College Faculty Building in Asokoro, Abuja, on 23 October 2026.
Farewell Remarks from Outgoing Commandant
In his farewell address, Major General Alkali expressed gratitude to Almighty God for a successful tour of duty and thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the opportunity to serve as Commandant of the prestigious institution.
He acknowledged the solid foundation laid by his predecessors, which enabled the achievements recorded during his tenure.
Alkali also commended the Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies, Brigadier General MC Akin-Ojo, the faculty members, and the entire College community for their unwavering support and commitment.
He urged the College community to extend the same level of cooperation to the new Commandant, expressing confidence in Major General Umar’s ability to consolidate existing gains and elevate the institution further.
Alkali noted that his successor’s prior experience at AWCN as a Directing Staff and Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies had adequately prepared him for the role.
Incoming Commandant’s Pledge
Major General Aminu Mohammed Umar, the new Commandant, expressed appreciation to the COAS for entrusting him with the leadership of the Nigerian Army’s apex institution for professional military education.
He pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor, whom he described as a leader worthy of emulation, and wished him success in his next assignment.
Umar also affirmed his readiness to foster a cordial and productive working relationship with the College community, stressing the importance of teamwork and collective commitment to the institution’s objectives.
Profile of the New Commandant
Prior to this appointment as the Eighth Commandant of AWCN, Major General Umar served as Deputy Chief of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters.
He brings extensive instructional experience from institutions including the Depot Nigerian Army, Nigerian Defence Academy, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, and the Warrant Officers Academy, where he previously served as Commandant.
His earlier appointments also include Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the Guards Brigade in Abuja, reflecting broad experience in leadership, administration, training, and operational command.
Key moments of the event included the decoration of the new Commandant with the AWCN insignia and lanyard, the signing of handing-and-taking-over notes, the ceremonial lowering of the outgoing Commandant’s flag and hoisting of the new one, and a group photograph.
The change of command marks another milestone in the history of the Army War College Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to continuity in building professional military education and developing strategic-level leadership within the Nigerian Army.
This report is based on the official statement released by the Nigerian Army on October 24, 2026.
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