Nimcaan Yusuf Osman

Brigadier General Nimcaan Yusuf Osman (, ) nicknamed Gahnug , 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. The decision was framed as part of a broader initiative to inject "contemporary military wisdom" into Somaliland's defense strategy.

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.