By Nkechi Eze
In a far-reaching move to strengthen leadership, consolidate professionalism, and reinvigorate the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the posting and appointment of several senior officers to key command, staff, and instructional positions across formations, units, and training institutions of the Nigerian Army.
The latest redeployments, announced in an official statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, are part of the Army’s ongoing internal reorganization aimed at enhancing command efficiency and optimizing performance in line with the COAS’s strategic vision of building a highly motivated, disciplined, and combat-ready force.
Among those affected by the new postings is Major General Bamidele Alabi, who now heads the Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army). Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, formerly the Chief of Special Services and Programmes, has been redeployed to the Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Operations, while Major General Peter Mala moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Nigerian Army as Commander. Similarly, Major General Samson Jiya has been appointed Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget at the Defence Headquarters, after his posting from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC).
Other strategic appointments include Major General Mayirenso Saraso, who moves from NAHFC to the Army Headquarters Department of Operations as Chief of Operations (Army); Major General Isa Abdullahi, from the Defence Headquarters to the Army Headquarters Department of Administration as Chief of Administration (Army); and Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, who takes over as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs at the Army Headquarters. Also, Major General Abubakar Haruna has been appointed Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, while Major General Philip Ilodibia moves to the Defence Space Administration as Chief of Defence Space Administration.
In the Infantry and Combat Support Arms, Major General Godwin Mutkut, formerly with the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena, has been appointed Corps Commander Infantry. Major General Umar Abubakar from the Ministry of Defence now commands the Nigerian Army Armour Corps, while Major General John Adeyemo, previously at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA), becomes Corps Commander Artillery. Major General Mohammed Abdullahi from the Nigerian Army Cyberwarfare Command now serves as Corps Commander Signals.
Also redeployed are Major General Taofik Sidick, who now serves as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army) at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Finance Corps; Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim, appointed Corps Commander Ordnance; Major General Adeyinka Adereti, now Corps Commander Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; and Major General Nansak Shagaya, who assumes duty as Corps Commander Supply and Transport. Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed has also been appointed Acting Corps Commander Education.
At the institutional level, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, who previously commanded the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, has been appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. He succeeds Major General Emmanuel Mustapha, who now takes charge of the Nigerian Army Signal School. Major General Adamu Hassan has been named Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, while Brigadier General John Bulus becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.
Field command appointments under the new arrangement include Major General Saidu Audu, who now serves as Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena; Major General Warrah Idris, who takes charge of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA; and Major General Oluremi Fadairo, appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu, and Commander of Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA.
In the area of Defence communications, Major General Olatokumbo Bello has been appointed Director of Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, while Brigadier General Samaila Uba moves from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, to serve as Director of Defence Information.
While congratulating the newly appointed senior officers, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu charged them to deploy their wealth of experience, professionalism, and strategic foresight to further strengthen the Army’s operational capabilities. He emphasized the need for sustained synergy with other security agencies, unwavering loyalty to the nation, and strict adherence to the core values of the Nigerian Army, loyalty, selfless service, integrity, and excellence.
According to the COAS, the redeployments are part of a deliberate effort to ensure that competent and experienced officers occupy critical positions necessary for sustaining the Army’s operational momentum and achieving national security objectives.
“I urge all appointed officers to bring to bear their wealth of operational experience, administrative acumen, and strategic foresight in driving a disciplined and combat-ready Army to decisively confront contemporary and emerging security challenges,” the COAS stated.
This latest restructuring, analysts say, reflects the Army leadership’s determination to consolidate gains made in various theatres of operation and to ensure that the Nigerian Army remains proactive, professional, and responsive in addressing the nation’s evolving security landscape.
