Army Reshuffles Senior Officers, Appoints New Commanders to Boost Security Operations

The Nigerian Army has announced a major redeployment of senior officers across operational, command, training and administrative formations as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance national security.

The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affects field commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the reshuffle is aimed at consolidating the Army’s capacity to respond to emerging security challenges across the country.

Under the new postings, 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.

Major General EI Okoro takes over as GOC 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 named Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri remains Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.

As part of measures to strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K. Rabiu will command Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

In a move reflecting 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.

Also, Major General O. Adegbe has been posted to Defence Headquarters as Director of Intelligence and Security.

The reshuffle also affected key military training institutions. 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.

Major General SO Adejimi has been named 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 appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

In addition, Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation 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 said the redeployment underscores its commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing both current and emerging security challenges across the country.