The Nigerian Army has announced a comprehensive reshuffle of its senior officers, introducing new appointments and strategic redeployments aimed at strengthening national security and enhancing operational effectiveness across the country.
The changes, which affect key operational, command, training and staff positions, were disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Among the major appointments, Major General EI Okoro has been named the 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 JR Lar has been appointed Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office 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.
To strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over as Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
The reshuffle also includes the appointment of Major General O Adegbe as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, also approved the strategic redeployment of several senior officers as part of efforts to improve the Army’s capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.
Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
In the area of military education and professional development, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes the new Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been named Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Reflecting the Army’s increasing focus on technology and emerging security threats, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
According to the statement, the appointment underscores the Army’s commitment to developing capabilities in technology-driven security operations and emerging domains of modern warfare.
The reshuffle also extends to the Army’s corporate and support institutions.
Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
In addition, Major General SO Adejimi has been appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim assumes the role of Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by providing exemplary leadership, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, embracing innovation and remaining committed to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing both current and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.