Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) has witnessed a formal change of command as the outgone Commandant, Major General Umar Alkali, handed over leadership to his successor, Major General Aminu Mohammed Umar.
The ceremony took place at the College Faculty Building in Asokoro, Abuja, on 23 October 2026.
Read also: 11-Field Engineering Commanding Officer visits ABU, calls on Vice-Chancellor
In his farewell remarks, Major General Alkali expressed gratitude to Almighty God for a successful tour of duty and appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for giving him the opportunity to serve as Commandant of the prestigious institution.
He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors, whose solid foundation, he noted, provided the platform for the achievements recorded during his tenure.
He also commended the Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies, Brigadier General MC Akin-Ojo, members of the faculty, and the entire College community for their unwavering support and commitment to the College’s mission.
Major General Alkali urged the College community to extend the same level of cooperation and dedication to the new Commandant, expressing confidence in Major General AM Umar’s capacity to consolidate existing achievements and take the institution to greater heights. He noted that his successor’s previous experience at AWCN as a Directing Staff and Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies had adequately prepared him for the responsibility.
Read also: FORCE COMMANDER ESSMGB RECEIVES SENEGALESE ARMED FORCES DELEGATION
In his remarks, the incoming Commandant, Major General Aminu Mohammed Umar, expressed appreciation to COAS for finding him worthy of leading 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 new assignment.
Major General Umar also expressed his readiness to foster a cordial and productive working relationship with the College community, emphasising the importance of teamwork and collective commitment to achieving the institution’s objectives.
Prior to his appointment as the Eighth Commandant of AWCN, Major General Umar served as Deputy Chief of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters, Department of Civil-Military Affairs. He possesses extensive instructional experience, having served at several military training institutions, including Depot Nigerian Army, Nigerian Defence Academy, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, and the Warrant Officers Academy, where he served as Commandant.
His previous appointments also include Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff and Commander, Guards Brigade, Abuja, reflecting his broad experience in military leadership, administration, training, and operational command.
Highlights of the ceremony included the decoration of the new Commandant with the AWCN insignia and lanyard, the signing of handing-and-taking-over notes, the lowering of the outgoing Commandant’s flag and the hoisting of the new Commandant’s flag, as well as a group photograph.
The change of command marks another significant milestone in the history of the AWCN, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to continuity in building professional military education and the development of strategic-level leadership capabilities within the Nigerian Army.
