The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major reshuffle of senior officers across the Nigerian Army’s operational, command, training and administrative formations in a move aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing national security and improving the military’s response to evolving security challenges.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele. She said the redeployment affects field commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola. Major General EI Okoro takes over as GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
Major General JR Lar has been appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.
As part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership and combat readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology-driven warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command. Meanwhile, Major General O Adegbe has been posted to Defence Headquarters as Director of Intelligence and Security.
The reshuffle also includes several appointments within the Army’s training and educational institutions. Major General KE Chigbu has been named 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 appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim assumes office as Chief of Training at the Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA).
Brigadier General U Ahmad has been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
In related appointments, Major General KO Ukandu has been named Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment 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.
The Army said the appointments underscore its ongoing transformation agenda and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing both current and emerging security threats in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
