The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, introducing new appointments across operational commands, training institutions, and key staff positions as part of efforts to strengthen national security and enhance operational effectiveness.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the redeployments were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to bolster the service’s capacity to tackle evolving security challenges nationwide.
Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro has also been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, taking over from Major General EE Emeka.
Major General JR Lar assumes office as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola has been appointed Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue in his role as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
To strengthen field operations, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu will head Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
Highlighting the Army’s increasing focus on technology and modern warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, a move the Army said underscores its commitment to technology-driven security operations.
Major General O Adegbe has also been named Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
In the area of military education and training, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School, while Major General SO Adejimi will head the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport. Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Brigadier General U Ahmad will serve as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The reshuffle also includes appointments to military-owned institutions, with Major General KO Ukandu named Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison has been appointed Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
The Army said the Chief of Army Staff urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The statement added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its transformation agenda of building a highly professional, combat-ready, and people-oriented force capable of addressing both current and emerging security challenges across the country.
