The Nigerian Army has announced a major redeployment of senior officers, approving fresh appointments across key operational, command, training and administrative positions to strengthen its response to evolving security challenges.
The changes, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, were announced on Saturday in a statement by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Key Highlights:
- Army reshuffles senior officers nationwide.
- New commanders appointed across key formations.
- Changes target operational effectiveness.
- Space Command gets new commander.
- COAS urges professionalism, innovation.
According to the statement, the reshuffle affects General Officers Commanding (GOCs), brigade commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
Among the appointments, Major General W.M. Dangana was named General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force ‘Operation ENDURING PEACE’, succeeding Major General E.F. Oyinlola.
Major General E. I. Okoro was appointed General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South ‘Operation DELTA SAFE’, replacing Major General E. E. Emeka.
Major General J. R. Lar was named Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General O. M. Oyekola was appointed acting Military Secretary.
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 reinforce field operations, Brigadier General I. B. Buhari was posted as Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K. Rabiu, assumed command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
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In a move reflecting the army’s increasing emphasis on technology-driven operations, Major General S. A. Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
The reshuffle also saw Major General O. Adegbe named Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters, while Major General K. E. Chigbu became Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College.
Other appointments include Major General S. D. Makolo as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School, Major General S. O. Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General F. S. Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Brigadier General U. Ahmad as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Additionally, Major General K. O. Ukandu was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General A. I. Allison will serve as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, innovation and exemplary leadership.
He also charged them to remain committed to the army’s constitutional mandate of defending the nation’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The army reaffirmed its commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing current and emerging security challenges while advancing Nigeria’s national security objectives.
