The Nigerian Army has approved a major reshuffle of its senior officers, announcing fresh appointments across operational commands, training institutions and strategic departments as part of efforts to strengthen its response to the country’s evolving security challenges.
The changes, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, were announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the Army, the redeployment is aimed at repositioning the service for improved operational effectiveness and enhanced leadership across its formations.
Among the appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro has been appointed General Officer Commanding 6 Division 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 of the Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve 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.
Other key appointments include Brigadier General IB Buhari as Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade and Brigadier General K Rabiu as Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move highlighting the military’s increasing emphasis on technology and space-based capabilities, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
At the Defence Headquarters, Major General O Adegbe will assume duty as Director of Intelligence and Security.
The reshuffle also affected several military training institutions.
Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo takes over as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Major General SO Adejimi will serve as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at the Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad was also named the new Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Beyond operational and training roles, the Army announced appointments to key military-owned organisations. Major General KO Ukandu will serve as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison has been appointed Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Congratulating the newly appointed officers, the Chief of Army Staff urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, innovation and exemplary leadership.
“The newly appointed senior officers are expected to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian 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,” the statement read.
The Army added that the latest reshuffle aligns with its ongoing transformation agenda aimed at building a professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of tackling both current and emerging security threats across Nigeria.
