New Commandant Takes The Wheel At Army War College As Alkali Bows Out

The Army War College Nigeria has witnessed a formal change of command, with the outgoing Commandant, Major General Umar Alkali, handing over leadership to his successor, Major General Aminu Mohammed Umar, at a ceremony held at the College Faculty Building in Asokoro, Abuja, on October 23, 2026.

In his farewell remarks, Major General Alkali thanked God for a successful tour of duty and expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging the contributions of his predecessors, whose foundation he said made his achievements possible.

He commended the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Brigadier General MC Akin Ojo, the faculty and the entire College community for their support, urging them to extend the same cooperation to the new Commandant, and expressing confidence in his successor’s capacity to take the institution to greater heights.

The incoming Commandant, the eighth to lead the College, thanked the Chief of Army Staff for finding him worthy of leading the Nigerian Army’s apex institution for professional military education, pledging to build on the achievements of his predecessor and to foster a cordial and productive working relationship with the College community.

Before his appointment, Major General Umar served as Deputy Chief of Civil Military Affairs at Army Headquarters, with extensive instructional experience at institutions including the Depot Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Warrant Officers Academy, where he served as Commandant, and previous roles as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the Guards Brigade in Abuja.

Highlights of the ceremony included the decoration of the new Commandant with the College 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.

The change of command marks another milestone for the institution, reaffirming its commitment to continuity in professional military education and the development of strategic level leadership within the Nigerian Army.

By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed