As part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country, the Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army stated that the postings affected field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
It noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the redeployment of the senior officers.
According to the statement, under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana will serve as the 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 as the GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
Similarly, Major General JR Lar will serve as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola 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.
In the same vein, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu was named Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery. Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
Also, Major General O Adegbe was also appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters, Major General KE Chigbu as Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo 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, Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The reshuffle 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 stated that 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.
It noted that the appointment “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.”
