From Victor Osula, Abuja
The, has approved a major reshuffle of senior officers across the Nigerian Army, appointing new commanders for critical operational formations, training institutions, and strategic staff positions as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve the Army’s operational effectiveness.
The extensive redeployment, announced on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, affects General Officers Commanding (GOCs), brigade commanders, commandants of military institutions, and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
According to the statement, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.
Similarly, Major General EI Okoro has been named General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
The reshuffle also saw Major General JR Lar appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes duty as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue serving as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
As part of efforts to strengthen field operations and enhance force readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been posted as Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology and modern warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, a strategic formation established to enhance capabilities in 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.
The reshuffle further affects key military training institutions. 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 assumes office as Chief of Training at the Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
In the Army’s corporate establishments, Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison takes over as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Army.
He charged them to remain focused on defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, safeguarding its territorial integrity, and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security across the country.
The Army said the redeployments form part of its ongoing transformation agenda aimed at building a highly professional, combat-ready, and people-oriented force capable of responding effectively to evolving and future security challenges confronting the nation.
