The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffling of senior officers across key commands, operational units, and training institutions. The move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the army's effectiveness and response to security challenges across the country.
New Appointments Approved by Chief of Army Staff
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), approved the new appointments, which affect field commanders, school commandants, and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters. According to the Army, the changes aim to improve leadership coordination, enhance force readiness, and support efforts to tackle emerging security threats.
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, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
Other Key Appointments and Commands
Other appointments include Major General JR Lar as Commander Army Headquarters Garrison and Brigadier General OM Oyekola as Acting Military Secretary (Army). The Army also appointed Brigadier General IB Buhari as Commander Headquarters 63 Brigade and Brigadier General K Rabiu as Commander Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In specialized roles, Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General OA Adegbe becomes Director Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters. For training, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, and Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant Nigerian Army Armour School.
Emphasis on Professionalism and Innovation
The Army stated that the newly appointed officers are expected to demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and commitment to their responsibilities. “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 Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate,” the statement read.
The Army added that the changes are part of its transformation drive to build a more professional, combat-ready, and people-oriented force capable of addressing current and future security challenges.
Broader Recruitment Plans
Previously, the Nigerian Army announced plans to recruit and train 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen its capacity in tackling insecurity. Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu disclosed this during a briefing ahead of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
