The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of senior officers, appointing new commanders and principal staff officers as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country.
The changes, which affect operational commands, training institutions and strategic staff positions, were disclosed in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the redeployments are aimed at enhancing the Army’s ability to respond to emerging security threats and improve combat readiness nationwide.
Major General EI Okoro was appointed General Officer Commanding (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 WM Dangana was also named GOC 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
The Army appointed Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola became Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General 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, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu was named Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
The reshuffle also affected intelligence and strategic appointments, with Major General O Adegbe named Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic redeployment of senior officers, saying the changes were intended to improve the Army’s capacity to tackle evolving security challenges.
In the area of military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo became Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Brigadier General U Ahmad was appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The Army also created a stronger focus on technology and emerging security threats with the appointment of Major General SA Emmanuel as Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
The statement said the appointment “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.”
Other appointments include Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited and Major General AI Allison as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Major General SO Adejimi was appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim became Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command.
The Army said the Chief of Army Staff had charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through “exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment” to the military’s constitutional responsibilities.
“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,” the statement added.
