The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, with key changes across operational commands, training institutions and strategic staff appointments aimed at strengthening national security and improving operational effectiveness.
The redeployments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affect General Officers Commanding (GOCs), field commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the strategic postings were designed to enhance the Army’s capacity to respond to evolving security challenges across the country.
Among the key appointments, Major General WM Dangana was named General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro takes over as 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.
Major General JR Lar was appointed Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola was named Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his role as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
To strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu will command Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
Reflecting the Army’s increasing emphasis on technology and emerging security threats, Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
According to the statement, the appointment “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.”
At Defence Headquarters, Major General O Adegbe was appointed Director of Intelligence and Security.
The reshuffle also covers key training and educational institutions. Major General KE Chigbu was named Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo became Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Major General SO Adejimi was appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim assumed the role of Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad was appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
In addition, Major General KO Ukandu was named Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was appointed Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
The Army said Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the service.
“The COAS charged the newly appointed senior 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 authority in maintaining peace and security across the nation,” the statement said.
It added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its transformation agenda and to building “a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force” capable of addressing both current and emerging security challenges.
