The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has approved a sweeping redeployment of senior officers in a major shake-up aimed at boosting the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness and strengthening national security.
The nationwide reshuffle affects General Officers Commanding (GOCs), brigade commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers across key formations.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, announced the redeployments in a statement on Saturday, describing the exercise as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the Army to tackle evolving security threats.
Among the key appointments, Maj.-Gen. WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, succeeding Maj.-Gen. EF Oyinlola.
Maj.-Gen. EI Okoro takes over as GOC 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Operation Delta Safe, replacing Maj.-Gen. EE Emeka to reinforce military operations in the South-South region.
Maj.-Gen. JR Lar has been appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brig.-Gen. OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary. Brig.-Gen. I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the COAS.
The reshuffle also sees Brig.-Gen. IB Buhari appointed Commander of 63 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. K Rabiu deployed as Commander of 31 Artillery Brigade, and Maj.-Gen. SA Emmanuel named Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
In another strategic posting, Maj.-Gen. O. Adegbe has been appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters, a move expected to strengthen intelligence coordination and enhance national defence planning.
The redeployment also extends to military training institutions. Maj.-Gen. KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Maj.-Gen. SD Makolo, Maj.-Gen. SO Adejimi and Maj.-Gen. FS Etim received key appointments across Army training establishments.
Similarly, Brig.-Gen. U Ahmad has been named Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, while Maj.-Gen. KO Ukandu and Maj.-Gen. AI Allison will head army-owned housing and defence property organisations.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s resolve to build a professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of confronting emerging security challenges while effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities across the country.
