The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approving the redeployment of top officers across operational, command, training and staff appointments to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen national security.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the strategic appointments affected field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate the Army’s capacity to tackle emerging security challenges and sustain its transformation drive.
Among the key 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, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola. Major General EI Okoro has also been named GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
The reshuffle also saw Major General JR Lar appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes duty as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the COAS.
To further strengthen field operations and combat readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been posted as Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In recognition of the growing importance of technology-driven warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command. Major General O Adegbe has also been deployed as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
The reshuffle extends to military training institutions, with Major General KE Chigbu appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College. Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School, while Major General SO Adejimi takes over as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport. Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), while Brigadier General U Ahmad assumes office as Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
In the administrative sector, Major General KO Ukandu has been named Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison takes over as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
According to Colonel Anele, the Chief of Army Staff charged 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 mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security nationwide.
She added that the latest appointments underscore the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
