The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major reshuffle of senior officers across key operational, command, training and staff appointments in the Nigerian Army as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance national security.
The redeployment, which affects field commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters, is aimed at consolidating the Army’s capacity to tackle emerging security challenges across the country.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Similarly, Major General EI Okoro has been named GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
The statement added that Major General JR Lar has been appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola takes over as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I. Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.
As part of measures to deepen operational leadership and improve force readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K. Rabiu assumes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
Major General SA Emmanuel has also been appointed Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, a move the Army said underscores its growing focus on technology-driven security operations and emerging domains of warfare.
In another key appointment, Major General O. Adegbe becomes Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters.
The reshuffle also affected 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 appointed Commandant, 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).
Brigadier General U. Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
In the housing sector, Major General KO Ukandu has been named Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison takes over as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Army reiterated its commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively responding to current and future security challenges, the statement added.
