The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its leadership structure, repositioning and appointing senior officers across key operational commands, affecting field commanders, school commandants, and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
Strategic Reshuffle Approved by COAS
According to a statement by Army spokesperson Appolonia Anele, a colonel, on Saturday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic reshuffling. The move aims to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen national security, and consolidate the Army's capacity to address emerging security challenges across Nigeria.
Key Appointments in Operational Commands
Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander 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 Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
Major General JR Lar has been appointed Commander of the Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary for the Army. Brigadier General I Waziri remains in the Office of the COAS as Chief of Staff (COS).
Brigade and Artillery Commanders
Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of the Headquarters 63 Brigade, and Brigadier General K Rabiu took command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade. The Army spokesperson said these appointments are part of efforts to deepen operational leadership and force readiness.
Focus on Technology and Intelligence
Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Army Space Command, reinforcing the Army's growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations. Major General O Adegbe has been appointed Director Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
Appointments in Training and Education
In the area of professional military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, and Major General SD Makolo is appointed Commandant Nigerian Army Armour School. Major General SO Adejimi becomes Commandant Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA). Brigadier General U Ahmad takes over as Commandant Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Other Key Appointments
Other appointments include Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL) and Major General AI Allison as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
COAS Charges New Appointees
Ms. Anele stated that the COAS charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the Army's constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria's sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security across the nation.
