Defence, Security
THE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has approved major reshufflement of senior officers to strengthen Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness and enhance national security.
The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the redeployment affected field commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers nationwide.
He noted that Maj.-Gen. WM Dangana becomes General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, replacing Maj.-Gen. EF Oyinlola in the strategic appointment.
He stated that Maj.-Gen. EI Okoro takes over as General Officer Commanding 6 Division and Land Component Commander, Operation Delta Safe, replacing Maj.-Gen. EE Emeka, to strengthen South-South operations.
Maj.-Gen. JR Lar was appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brig.-Gen. OM Oyekola becomes acting Military Secretary and Brig.-Gen. I Waziri retained his position as Chief of Staff to the COAS.
Other operational appointments include Brig.-Gen. IB Buhari as Commander, 63 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. K Rabiu as Commander, 31 Artillery Brigade, and Maj.-Gen. SA Emmanuel as Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command.
Also named was Maj.-Gen. O Adegbe as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters, reinforcing strategic intelligence coordination and supporting ongoing efforts to improve national defence planning and operations.
In military education, Maj.-Gen. KE Chigbu is the Deputy Commandant, National Defence College, while Maj.-Gen. SD Makolo, Maj.-Gen. SO Adejimi and Maj.-Gen. FS Etim received key training appointments across Army institutions.
Brig.-Gen. U Ahmad was appointed Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, while Maj.-Gen. KO Ukandu and Maj.-Gen. AI Allison assumed leadership of army-owned housing and defence property organisations.
The COAS urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting national security.
He reaffirmed Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing emerging security challenges while effectively fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities nationwide. (NAN)
W.U
June 27, 2026
Tags: Col. Appolonia Anele Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu