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Major Army Shake-Up as 67 Generals Redeployed

October 30, 2025

The Nigerian Army has announced the redeployment of 67 senior officers, including 56 major-generals and 11 brigadier-generals, in what officials describe as a sweeping reorganisation of formations and units across the country.

In a memo dated October 30, 2025, and signed by E.L. Okoro, Military Secretary (Army), the affected senior officers are expected to assume their new postings by November 3, 2025.

According to the document obtained by TheCable, the directive forms part of ongoing administrative restructuring within the armed forces to enhance operational efficiency and leadership rotation.

Only four major-generals — P.A.O. Okoye, Y. Yahaya, I. Otu, and S. Nuhu — were retained in their current postings but assigned new appointments.

The internal communication directed all formation and unit commanders to ensure strict compliance with the redeployment schedule.

“It is the responsibility of all formations/unit commanders whose officers are affected by this posting to implement accordingly,” the memo read.

“Officers must take over on the effective dates indicated herein, while the receiving formation/unit must furnish ADQ Dept of MS with the date the officer was taken on strength.”

The army warned that commanders or officers who fail to report or release personnel as instructed would face sanctions.

“Formations/unit commanders are to take immediate administrative action on any officer who fails to report on the effective date of posting and inform this department accordingly. Commanders who fail to release posted officers to report on the date stipulated will be appropriately sanctioned,” the memo added.

“Commanders will also be held responsible for lapses in the implementation of the directive contained herein.”

The large-scale movement of top officers follows a major leadership overhaul approved by President Bola Tinubu last Friday.

Under the new structure, Major General Waidi Shaibu replaced Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede — who was recently elevated to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Similarly, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke became the new Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral Idi Abbas assumed office as Chief of Naval Staff.

The shake-up comes weeks after widespread rumours of a foiled coup attempt, which military authorities have since dismissed as false.