The Nigerian Army has announced a wide-ranging redeployment of senior officers across operational, command, training and staff positions as part of efforts to improve its operational effectiveness and strengthen national security.
Appolonia Anele, acting director of army public relations, said in a statement issued on Saturday that the changes affect field commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at army headquarters.
Anele said Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff, approved the strategic postings to enhance the army’s ability to tackle evolving security threats across the country.
Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana will serve as general officer commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, taking over from Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro has also been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and land component commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
Major General JR Lar has been named commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve as acting military secretary (army).
Brigadier General I Waziri will remain chief of staff in the office of the chief of army staff.
Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu will lead Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade as commander.
The army also appointed Major General SA Emmanuel as commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
According to the statement, the appointment “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.”
Major General O Adegbe has been appointed director of intelligence and security at Defence Headquarters.
In the area of military education, Major General KE Chigbu has been named deputy commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo will serve as commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Major General SO Adejimi has been appointed commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim will serve as chief of training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.
Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The redeployment further saw Major General KO Ukandu appointed managing director and chief executive officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was named managing director of Defence Properties Limited.
The statement added, “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.”
