The Nigerian Army has announced a sweeping redeployment of senior officers, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), brigade commanders, commandants and principal staff officers in what it described as a strategic move to strengthen operational effectiveness and tackle emerging security threats across the country.
The extensive reshuffle, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affects key operational formations, military institutions and strategic departments at the Army Headquarters.
Announcing the development in a statement on Saturday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the redeployment was part of the Army’s ongoing transformation drive aimed at enhancing national security and improving operational efficiency.
According to the statement, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, taking over from Major General EF Oyinlola.
Similarly, Major General EI Okoro has been named the new GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
The Army also appointed Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola was named Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue in his current role as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
As part of efforts to strengthen field operations and combat readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu will take charge as Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move highlighting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology and modern warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
The Army said the appointment “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.”
Also appointed is Major General O Adegbe, who will serve as Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters.
The reshuffle also affected key military training institutions, with Major General KE Chigbu 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 named Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim assumes office as Chief of Training at the Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.
Brigadier General U Ahmad was equally appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
In the Army’s commercial establishments, Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison takes over as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
The Army said the redeployment reflects the Chief of Army Staff’s determination to reposition the force to effectively confront evolving security challenges across the country.
Charging the newly appointed officers, the Army leadership urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary 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 Army reaffirmed its commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of responding effectively to both present and future security challenges.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.”
