The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance national security across the country.
The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affects commanders in operational theatres, training institutions and key staff appointments at the Army Headquarters.
Among the changes, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, while Major General EI Okoro takes over as the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE.
Major General JR Lar has been named Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes duty as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue to serve as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.
The reshuffle also includes the appointment of Brigadier General IB Buhari as Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade and Brigadier General K Rabiu as Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade. Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General O Adegbe becomes Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
In the area of military training and education, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College. Major General SD Makolo will head the Nigerian Army Armour School, while Major General SO Adejimi becomes Commandant of 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, while Brigadier General U Ahmad takes over as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Other appointments include Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, and Major General AI Allison as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Speaking on the appointments, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu said the redeployments are aimed at improving the Army’s operational capacity and preparedness to tackle evolving security challenges.
He charged the newly appointed officers to “justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security across the nation.”
The Army Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of responding effectively to both current and future security threats.
