The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), commanders, and principal staff officers as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness.
The appointments were disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the redeployments were aimed at enhancing the Army’s capacity to tackle emerging security challenges across the country.
Among the key appointments, Major General EI Okoro has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
Major General JR Lar was appointed Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve as the Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
As part of measures 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 head Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
Major General O Adegbe was also appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, also approved the strategic redeployment of several senior officers. Under the new postings, Major General WM Dangana becomes the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.
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 takes over as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School. Brigadier General U Ahmad was also named Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, a move the Army said reflects its increasing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.
The reshuffle also includes the appointment of Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Other appointments announced 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).
According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through 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.
