The Nigerian Army has undertaken a major strategic reshuffle of senior officers across key operational, command, training and staff appointments in a move aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing national security and improving its capacity to address emerging security challenges nationwide.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the postings, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affect 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 the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola. Major General EI Okoro has been appointed General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
The statement also announced the appointment of Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue to serve in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Chief of Staff.
As part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership and enhance force 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 line with the Army’s growing emphasis on technology-driven warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command. Additionally, Major General O Adegbe has been deployed as Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters.
The reshuffle also covers key appointments in professional 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 posted as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim assumes office as Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA). Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
In the corporate establishments of the Army, Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu 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 authorities in maintaining peace and security across the country.
The statement reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its ongoing transformation drive aimed at building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively responding to contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
