Nigerian military command moves to Maiduguri

Following President Muhammadu Buhari’s order that the military command centre be relocated to Maiduguri in Borno State, the Nigerian military has established a Command and Control Centre, MCCC, in the state.

The centre’s operation, themed Operation Zaman Lafiya, is created for the fight against Boko Haram that has ravaged the North East since 2009. This has led to the killing of many and displacement of others by the insurgents.


Sani Usman, Nigerian Army spokesperson, said the establishment of the command is in accordance with Mr. Buhari’s pronouncement and the directive from the Chief of Army Staff, Kenneth Minimah.

Mr. Buhari had during his inauguration ceremony at the Eagle Square in Abuja on May 29 said that the military command centre be relocated to Maiduguri in Borno State – the center stage of Boko Haram terrorists’ activities.

He said the arrangement will remain that till Boko Haram is defeated.

Mr. Usman said an advance team led by a major general has commenced work in Maiduguri.

“The team, which is led by a two-star General, has already commenced work in earnest and it is comprised of elements of the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, all the relevant Army Headquarters Departments and other combat support components,”Mr. Usman, a colonel, said.

The centre, Mr. Usman said, will serve as a forward command base for the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs.

He said the MCCC is an elaboration of an “already existing” army headquarters command and control arrangement.

“From now on, the fight against terrorism and insurgency would be monitored, coordinated and controlled from this centre,” he said.

He added that the establishment of the MCCC would not create another command structure but would serve as a motivation to the Operation Zaman Lafiya; all aimed at bringing an end to insurgency.

Mr. Usman also said an alternate command centre is also being established in Yola.

Credit: Nnenna Ibeh/Premium Times