BREAKING: Army announces major shake-up, names new GOCs, commanders
The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, with changes affecting key operational, command, training and administrative appointments across the country.
The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, is aimed at strengthening national security, enhancing operational effectiveness and repositioning the Army to tackle emerging security threats.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the reshuffle affected field commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
According to the statement, the strategic postings are part of ongoing efforts to improve the Army’s operational capacity and ensure effective leadership across various formations.
Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named the General Officer Commanding 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 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.
Major General JR Lar has been appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue to serve as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
To further strengthen operational leadership and combat readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over as Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In line with the Army’s increasing focus on technology and emerging security threats, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
According to the statement, the appointment underscores the Army’s growing emphasis on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.
Also appointed is Major General O Adegbe as Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters.
In the area of military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu has been named 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 and Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The reshuffle further 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.
Charging the newly appointed officers, the Chief of Army Staff urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment 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 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.
The latest redeployment is expected to reinforce the Army’s operational structure and enhance coordination across its various formations as the military continues efforts to combat insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges confronting the country.