The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle involving senior officers, with new appointments across operational commands, training institutions, and strategic departments as part of efforts to enhance national security and improve operational effectiveness.
The changes were disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the redeployment was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
According to the statement, the postings affect field commanders, commandants of military schools, and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters. The Army said the strategic redeployment is designed to strengthen its capacity to tackle evolving security threats across the country.
Among the key appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, taking over from Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro has also been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
Other notable appointments include Major General JR Lar as Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his role as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
To strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu will head Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In line with the Army’s growing focus on technology-driven warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel has been named Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command. The Army described the appointment as a reflection of its commitment to addressing emerging security challenges through advanced technology.
Major General O Adegbe has also been appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
In the area of military training and education, Major General KE Chigbu becomes Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo has been appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Additionally, Major General SO Adejimi will serve as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim takes over as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been named Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The reshuffle extends to military-owned organisations, with Major General KO Ukandu appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating professionalism, innovation, exemplary leadership, and dedication to the Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at building a highly professional, combat-ready, and people-oriented force capable of responding effectively to both current and future security challenges.
Source: Nigerian Army Statement.
