Army War College Gets New Commandant As Major General Alkali Hands Over

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) has appointed Major General Aminu Mohammed Umar as its eighth Commandant, succeeding Major General Umar Alkali, who has completed his tenure at the institution….

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) has appointed Major General Aminu Mohammed Umar as its eighth Commandant, succeeding Major General Umar Alkali, who has completed his tenure at the institution.

The change-of-command ceremony took place at the College Faculty Building in Asokoro, Abuja, on Friday, October 23, 2026.

In his farewell remarks, Major General Alkali expressed gratitude to God for a successful tour of duty and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the opportunity to lead the institution.

He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors, noting that the foundations they laid helped him record achievements during his tenure.

The outgoing Commandant commended the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Brigadier General MC Akin-Ojo, members of the faculty and the entire College community for their support and commitment to the institution’s mission.

Alkali urged them to extend the same cooperation to his successor, expressing confidence in Major General Umar’s ability to consolidate existing achievements and take the College to greater heights.

He noted that the new Commandant’s previous experience at AWCN as a Directing Staff and Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies had prepared him for the position.

In his response, Major General Umar thanked the Chief of Army Staff 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 new assignment.

The incoming Commandant also pledged to maintain a cordial and productive relationship with the College community, stressing the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility in achieving the institution’s objectives.

Before his appointment, Major General Umar served as Deputy Chief of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters.

He has extensive instructional experience, having served at several military training institutions, including Depot Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Nigerian Army School of Infantry and the Warrant Officers Academy, where he was Commandant.

His previous appointments also include Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the Guards Brigade, Abuja, giving him 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 handover documents, the lowering of the outgoing Commandant’s flag and the hoisting of his successor’s flag.

The ceremony concluded with a group photograph.

The change of command underscores the College’s commitment to continuity in professional military education and the development of strategic leadership capabilities within the Nigerian Arny.

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