The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, with changes affecting key operational, command, training and staff appointments as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the postings were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
According to the statement, the redeployment affects field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters and is aimed at improving the Army’s capacity to tackle emerging security challenges across the country.
New GOCs, operational commanders appointed
Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named the 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 was also appointed 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, 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.
Army strengthens operational leadership
To boost combat readiness and operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu becomes Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move reflecting the Army’s increasing emphasis on technology and emerging security threats, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
The Army said the appointment reinforces its growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.
Major General O Adegbe has also been appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
New heads for military institutions
As part of efforts to strengthen military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Major General SO Adejimi has been named Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim takes over as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.
Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
COAS charges officers on professionalism
The reshuffle also saw Major General KO Ukandu appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was named Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff charged the newly appointed officers 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 added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its transformation drive and building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.