By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Nigerian Army has approved a major redeployment of senior officers, announcing fresh appointments across key operational, command, training and administrative positions as part of efforts to strengthen its response to evolving security challenges.
The changes, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, were disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the reshuffle affects General Officers Commanding, brigade commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
Among the appointments, Major General WM Dangana was named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro was also appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
The Army also appointed Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola was named Acting Military Secretary. Brigadier General I Waziri retained his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
To strengthen field operations, Brigadier General IB Buhari was posted to Headquarters 63 Brigade as Commander, while Brigadier General K Rabiu was appointed Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move aimed at enhancing technology-driven military operations, Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
“The appointment reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations,” the statement said.
Major General O Adegbe was named Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters, while Major General KE Chigbu became Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College.
Other appointments include Major General SD Makolo as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School, Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Brigadier General U Ahmad as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The Army also named Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was appointed Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through professionalism, innovation and exemplary leadership.
He charged them to remain committed to the Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
“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.
Leave a Reply