By James Adamu
The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, with changes affecting key operational, command, training, and staff appointments.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the reshuffle is part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country.
The postings affect field commanders, school commandants, and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic redeployment of senior officers, with the move aimed at enhancing the Army’s capacity to address emerging security challenges.
Under the new appointments, Major General W.M. Dangana has been named the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General E.F. Oyinlola.
Similarly, Major General E.I. Okoro has been 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.
The statement also announced the appointment of Major General J.R. Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General O.M. Oyekola will serve as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I. Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
As part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership and combat readiness, Brigadier General I.B. Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K. Rabiu was named Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology and emerging security threats, Major General S.A. Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
The appointment, the statement noted, “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.”
Major General O. Adegbe was also appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
In the area of military education and institutional development, Major General K.E. Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General S.D. Makolo became Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Other appointments include Major General S.O. Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport and Major General F.S. Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC). Brigadier General U. Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The reshuffle further saw Major General K.O. Ukandu appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General A.I. 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 Nigerian Army remains resolute 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 in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives,” the statement added.
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