Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), commanders, commandants and principal staff officers in a move aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness and enhancing national security.
The appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, were announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the postings affect key operational, command, training and staff positions across the Nigerian Army.
Among 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, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
Major General JR Lar will now serve 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 to the Chief of Army Staff.
In other operational postings, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
The reshuffle also includes appointments to strategic and specialized formations. Major General SA Emmanuel has been named Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General O Adegbe assumes office as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
At the nation’s 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.
Similarly, Major General SO Adejimi has been appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim will serve as Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been named 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, while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, innovation and exemplary leadership in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Army said the leadership reshuffle forms part of its ongoing transformation agenda aimed at building a more professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively responding to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
