Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
In a move aimed at strengthening national security and improving battlefield effectiveness, the Nigerian Army has approved a wide-ranging restructuring of its senior leadership, redeploying top officers across key operational, training, and administrative positions.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations Colonel Appolonia Anele, the exercise, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affects General Officers Commanding, brigade commanders, training institutions, and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.
Under the new postings, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro will now serve as GOC 6 Division and Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, taking over from Major General EE Emeka.
Other key appointments include Major General JR Lar as Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola becomes Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri remains Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
“In a bid to enhance professional development and modern warfare capacity, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes command of 31 Artillery Brigade. Major General SA Emmanuel has been named Commander Nigerian Army Space Command, reflecting increased focus on emerging security domains, while Major General O Adegbe assumes office as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters”
In the military training and doctrine sector, Major General KE Chigbu is now Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College. Major General SD Makolo has been appointed Commandant of 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 Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Brigadier General U Ahmad will serve as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
In other appointments, Major General KO Ukandu has been named Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
The Army said the leadership changes are designed to strengthen operational readiness, improve command efficiency, and reinforce ongoing security operations across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff charged the newly appointed officers to demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and commitment to Nigeria’s territorial defence and internal security operations as he reiterated the Nigerian Army commitment to ongoing transformation aimed at building a more professional, combat-ready, and responsive force.