The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered a strategic reshuffle of senior officers across the Nigerian Army in a move aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing national security and improving the Army’s response to emerging security threats.
The strategic redeployment, announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, affects senior commanders, principal staff officers, training institutions and operational formations across the country.
According to the Army, the postings form part of ongoing efforts to reposition the service for greater effectiveness in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
New GOCs, Operational Commanders Named
Among the key appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Similarly, Major General EI Okoro has been appointed General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, taking over from Major General EE Emeka.
The Army also appointed Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army).
Meanwhile, Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.
Fresh Appointments Across Brigades, Intelligence, Space Command
As part of the redeployment, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes charge of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In another key appointment, Major General SA Emmanuel has been named Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, underscoring the Army’s increasing focus on technology-driven security operations and emerging domains of warfare.
Also, Major General O Adegbe has been appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
Changes In Army Training Institutions
The reshuffle also affected several military training institutions.
Major General KE Chigbu becomes Deputy Commandant, National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo has been appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School.
Also appointed are:
Major General SO Adejimi – Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport.
Major General FS Etim – Chief of Training, Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad – Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Beyond operational and training appointments, the Army also approved new leadership for two of its corporate entities.
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Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison takes over as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
COAS Charges Officers To Justify Confidence
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism and innovation.
He charged them to remain committed to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending the country’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Army reaffirmed that the latest postings align with its ongoing transformation agenda aimed at building a professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively responding to both current and future security challenges across Nigeria.