By Our Reporter
The Nigerian Army has announced a major redeployment of senior officers, approving fresh appointments across operational, command, training and administrative formations as part of efforts to strengthen national security and enhance operational effectiveness.
The changes, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affect General Officers Commanding (GOCs), brigade commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the strategic postings are aimed at improving its capacity to tackle emerging security threats and reinforce leadership across critical formations.
Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI 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 EE Emeka.
The Army also appointed Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola takes over as 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 efforts to strengthen field operations, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K. Rabiu will head Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In the area of emerging technologies and modern warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, a move the Army said reflects its growing emphasis on technology-driven security operations and emerging domains of warfare.
At the Defence Headquarters, Major General O. Adegbe was appointed Director of Intelligence and Security.
The reshuffle also affected military training institutions, with Major General KE Chigbu appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo assumes duty as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Similarly, Major General SO Adejimi was appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim becomes Chief of Training at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U. Ahmad was also named Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
In the Army’s business and housing subsidiaries, Major General KO Ukandu was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and dedication to duty.
He urged them to remain committed to the constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security nationwide.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of responding effectively to current and future security challenges across the country.
