Military relocates command centre to Maiduguri

The Nigerian military command centre has been moved to Maiduguri, Borno state, in compliance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his inaugural speech on May 29, Buhari had revealed his intention to move the country’s military command centre from Abuja to Maiduguri, to effectively tackle the insurgency in the northeast.

Sani Usman, army spokesman, said on Monday that the centre would now fully coordinate the fight against insurgency in the country.

“In compliance with the presidential pronouncement and the chief of army staff’s directive, a reconnaissance and advance team for the establishment of Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) for Operation Zaman Lafiya for the fight against terrorism and insurgency has moved to Maiduguri, Borno State,” he said.

“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.”

Usman also said that the centre would serve as a forward command base for the chief of army staff and other service chiefs.

“The centre is essentially 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 added.

” I wish to inform you also that its establishment would not create another layer of command structure but would add impetus and renewed vigour to Operation Zaman Lafiya, all aimed at bringing terrorism and insurgency to an end.

“An alternate command centre is also being established in Yola.”