Nimcaan Yusuf Osman
Chief of Staff of Somaliland Armed Forces
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Brigadier General Nimcaan Yusuf Osman (Somali: Nimcaan Yuusuf Cismaan, Arabic: نعمان يوسف عثمان) nicknamed Gahnug (Somali: Gaaxnuug), is a Somaliland military officer serving as the Chief of the General Staff of the Somaliland Armed Forces since January 23, 2025. Appointed by president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), he is the youngest officer to hold this position in Somaliland's history.[1][2][3]
Somaliland
Somaliland National ArmyNimcaan Yusuf Osman Gaaxnuug | |
|---|---|
| نعمان يوسف عثمان | |
| |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1985 (age 40–41) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Somaliland |
| Branch/service | Somaliland National Army |
Years of service | 2025 – present |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands | Chief of staff Commander, Somaliland Defence Command |
Early life and education
Nimcaan Yusuf Osman was born in 1985 in Hargeisa, Somaliland, where he completed his primary education.[4] He is from the Arap branch of the Isaaq clan.[5] He joined the military at a young age. He holds a bachelor’s degree in military science from an Ethiopian institution and a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Kuala Lumpur, specializing in International Security and Military Leadership.[1][2][3]
Military career
Osman rose through the ranks of the Somaliland National Army, gaining prominence for his leadership in specialized units. Prior to his appointment as Chief of Staff, he commanded the Gamadiid Special Forces and the Presidential Guard Unit during the tenure of former president Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud (Siilaanyo).[3] His operational experience includes counterinsurgency efforts and border security operations.[3]
Appointment as Chief of Staff
On January 23, 2025, Irro issued a presidential decree appointing Nimcaan as Chief of Staff, succeeding Major General Nuh Ismail Tani, who was reassigned as a presidential advisor.[6][3] The decision was framed as part of a broader initiative to inject "contemporary military wisdom" into Somaliland's defense strategy.[3]
Reforms and initiatives
Under Nimcaan's leadership, the Somaliland Armed Forces announced significant reforms, including a 50% annual salary hike for military personnel, effective 2025, as part of a pledged 250% increase over Irro’s term, implementation of the IRIS Biometric Registration System to eliminate payroll fraud and "ghost personnel", as well as plans to upgrade equipment and training programs.[2][3][6]