The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, with changes affecting key operational, command, training and staff appointments as part of efforts to strengthen national security and enhance operational effectiveness.
The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the reshuffle affects field commanders, commandants of military training institutions and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters, with the strategic postings aimed at boosting the Army’s capacity to address emerging security challenges across the country.
Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro has also been appointed General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
The statement further announced the appointment of Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retained his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
As part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership and combat readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu will serve as Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
Reflecting the Army’s increasing emphasis on technology and evolving security threats, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
The statement noted that the appointment “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.”
Major General O Adegbe has also been appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters.
In the area of military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Other appointments include Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army, and Brigadier General U Ahmad as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The reshuffle also saw Major General KO Ukandu appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was named Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Military authorities periodically carry out strategic postings and redeployments of senior officers to strengthen operational efficiency, enhance leadership across formations and institutions, and respond to evolving security challenges. The latest exercise comes as the Nigerian Army continues operations against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in different parts of the country.
According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and commitment to the Army’s constitutional responsibility.
“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 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,” the statement added.
