By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approving new appointments and redeployments across operational, command, training and administrative formations. The changes were announced on Saturday in a statement by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, to strengthen operational effectiveness, improve leadership and enhance Nigeria’s security response to emerging threats nationwide.
COAS Approves Strategic Redeployment
According to the statement, the reshuffle is designed to improve the Army’s operational capacity and combat readiness while addressing evolving security challenges across the country.
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 will serve as General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE. He succeeds Major General EE Emeka.
Major General JR Lar has also been appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison.
New Operational Commanders Named
To strengthen field operations, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade.
Likewise, Brigadier General K Rabiu will head Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade, while Brigadier General U Ahmad becomes Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Brigadier General OM Oyekola has been appointed Acting Military Secretary (Army). Meanwhile, Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
Army Expands Focus on Technology
The Army also reinforced its commitment to modern warfare by appointing Major General SA Emmanuel as Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
According to the statement, the appointment reflects the Army’s increasing emphasis on technology-driven security operations and emerging domains of warfare.
Key Appointments in Military Institutions
Several senior officers have also received appointments in military education and training institutions.
Major General KE Chigbu has been named Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College.
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.
In addition, Major General FS Etim will serve as Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.
Senior Officers Assigned to Defence Agencies
The reshuffle also includes appointments to defence-owned organisations.
Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited.
Meanwhile, Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Major General O Adegbe has also been appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters.
COAS Charges Officers to Deliver
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism and innovation.
He also called on them to remain committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing current and future security challenges across Nigeria.
