ABUJA, NIGERIA: The Nigerian Army has announced a comprehensive reshuffle of its senior leadership, impacting key operational, command, training, and staff appointments across the country.
According to an official statement released on Saturday by Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the strategic redeployments are designed to strengthen national security, enhance combat readiness, and improve overall operational effectiveness.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the appointments, noting that the reorganization is aimed at bolstering the Army’s capacity to decisively address emerging contemporary and future security challenges.
Key Divisional and Command Appointments
The redeployment affects several high-ranking field commanders, school commandants, and principal staff officers. Key appointments include:
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Major General W.M. Dangana: Appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General E.F. Oyinlola.
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Major General E.I. Okoro: Appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General E.E. Emeka.
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Major General J.R. Lar: Appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison.
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Brigadier General O.M. Oyekola: Named Acting Military Secretary (Army).
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Brigadier General I. Waziri: Retains his strategic role as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
Tactical and Technology-Driven Realignments
In a notable move reflecting the military's growing focus on modern warfare and technological integration, Major General S.A. Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command. This unit is expected to play a pivotal role in driving technology-based security operations.
Additional tactical and intelligence appointments include:
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Major General O. Adegbe: Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
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Brigadier General I.B. Buhari: Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade.
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Brigadier General K. Rabiu: Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
Institutional and Training Appointments
To maintain rigorous standards in military education and doctrinal development, several senior officers have been assigned to key training institutions:
| Officer | New Position |
| Major General K.E. Chigbu | Deputy Commandant, National Defence College |
| Major General S.D. Makolo | Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School |
| Major General S.O. Adejimi | Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport |
| Major General F.S. Etim | Chief of Training, Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) |
| Brigadier General U. Ahmad | Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria |
Corporate and Housing Subsidiaries
The reshuffle also extended to the Army's welfare and corporate enterprises:
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Major General K.O. Ukandu: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Post Housing Development Limited.
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Major General A.I. Allison: Managing Director, Defence Properties Limited.
Charge from the Chief of Army Staff
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them. He charged them to demonstrate exemplary leadership, professionalism, and innovation in the execution of their duties.
The COAS reiterated that the ultimate goal of the reshuffle is to support the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate: defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and assisting civil authorities in maintaining peace and stability across the nation.