The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major reshuffling of senior officers across the Nigerian Army, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), field commanders, commandants and principal staff officers as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance the country’s response to evolving security threats.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the redeployments affect key operational, command, training and staff appointments across the Nigerian Army and are aimed at consolidating the force’s capacity to tackle emerging security challenges nationwide.
Among the major changes, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed 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 named the new General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
The Army also appointed Major General JR Lar as Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola was named Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will remain Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
As part of efforts to reinforce field operations and improve force readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
Statement noted that in a move reflecting the military’s increasing focus on technology and emerging security domains, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
The Army also announced the appointment of Major General O Adegbe as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
According to the statement, the reshuffle extends to military education and institutional development.
Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Major General SO Adejimi has been named Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim takes over as Chief of Training at the Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The Army further announced the appointment of Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Colonel Anele said that the COAS has charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and dedication to duty.
He urged them to remain committed to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, safeguarding its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security across the country.
According to the statement, the latest appointments form part of the “Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation agenda aimed at building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively responding to contemporary and future security challenges.”
The Army reiterated its commitment to strengthening national security through improved operational leadership, enhanced training and institutional reforms designed to boost its effectiveness in addressing the country’s complex security environment
