By Gabriel Ameh
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major redeployment of senior officers across operational, command, training and administrative positions as part of efforts to improve the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness and tackle evolving security challenges.
The strategic reshuffle, announced in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Alene, affects General Officers Commanding (GOCs), brigade commanders, commandants of military institutions and senior staff officers at Army Headquarters.
Among the key appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro will now serve as General Officer Commanding 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
Other appointments include Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office 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.
To strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move reflecting the military’s growing focus on technology-driven warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
The reshuffle also extends to 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 will head the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at the Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad will serve as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, while Major General KO Ukandu and Major General AI Allison have been appointed Managing Directors of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL) and Defence Properties Limited respectively.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged 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 civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
According to the Army, the latest redeployments form part of its ongoing transformation agenda aimed at building a more professional, combat-ready and people-focused force capable of addressing both current and emerging security threats across the country.
