The Nigerian Army has announced a massive restructuring of its senior commanders, including changes to critical operational, command, training, and staff posts. Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, said in a statement on Saturday that the rearrangement is part of measures to bolster national security and enhance operational effectiveness nationwide.
According to the announcement, the postings affected field commanders, school commandants, and principal staff members at the Army Headquarters.
It was stated that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic redeployment of senior commanders, stating that the move was intended to strengthen the Army's ability to confront new security threats.
Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army's 3rd Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.
Similarly, Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC of the Nigerian Army's 6th Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, following Major General Emeka.
The communiqué also announced the appointment of Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, and Brigadier General OM Oyekola as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri maintains his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu was named Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade, as part of efforts to improve operational leadership and combat readiness.
Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, reflecting the Army's increased emphasis on technology and new security challenges.
The announcement added that the appointment "reinforces the Army's growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations."
Major General O Adegbe was also named the Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters. Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo took over as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Other appointments include Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Depot at Zaria.
Major General KO Ukandu was also appointed Managing Director and CEO of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was named Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
"The COAS charged the newly appointed senior 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 statement continued.
"In pursuit of Nigeria's national security objectives, the Nigerian Army is steadfast in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready, and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges."