Nimcaan Yusuf Osman

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.

== Early life and education ==

Nimcaan Yusuf Osman was born in 1985 in Hargeisa, Somaliland, where he completed his primary education. He is from the Arap branch of the Isaaq clan. 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.

== 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). His operational experience includes...