The Nigerian Army has carried out a comprehensive reshuffle of its senior leadership, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), commanders and principal staff officers in a move aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening the country’s security architecture.
The changes were announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the redeployments form part of ongoing efforts to enhance the Army’s capacity to tackle evolving security threats across Nigeria.
Among the key appointments, Major General EI Okoro has been named the new General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE. He takes over from Major General EE Emeka.
Major General WM Dangana has also been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
The reshuffle further saw Major General JR Lar assume duty as Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola was appointed Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue serving as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
To reinforce field operations, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been posted as Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu will lead Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
At the Defence Headquarters, Major General O Adegbe has been appointed Director of Intelligence and Security, a role considered vital to intelligence gathering and national defence coordination.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, also approved several appointments in military training and institutional development. Major General KE Chigbu will serve as Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo has been named Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Brigadier General U Ahmad has been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, while Major General SO Adejimi will head the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport. Major General FS Etim has also been posted as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
In another strategic deployment, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, reflecting the Army’s increasing emphasis on technology-driven warfare and emerging security domains.
The new postings also extend to military-owned organisations. Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison will serve as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
According to the statement, Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating professionalism, discipline, innovation and exemplary leadership in the discharge of their duties.
He also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to its ongoing transformation agenda, stressing that the service remains focused on building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security nationwide.
