The Nigerian Army has reshuffled its top command structure, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), operational commanders and heads of key training institutions in a strategic move to strengthen operational effectiveness.
The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, is aimed at enhancing the Army’s capacity to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and improve force readiness across critical operational theatres.
Among the key appointments, Major General WM Dangana takes over as General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro was appointed General Officer Commanding 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
The Army also named Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola was appointed Acting Military Secretary. Brigadier General I Waziri retained his position as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.
In further deployments, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K. Rabiu takes charge of 31 Artillery Brigade.
To strengthen emerging warfare capabilities, Major General SA Emmanuel was named Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General O. Adegbe becomes Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
The reshuffle also affected military training institutions. Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School, while Major General SO Adejimi takes over the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport.
Major General FS Etim was appointed Chief of Training at the Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), while Brigadier General U. Ahmad becomes Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The Army also announced the appointment of Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, with Major General AI Allison taking over as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Shaibu charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and dedication to duty.
He said the appointments were designed to consolidate operational gains, enhance force readiness and improve the Army’s capacity to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect its territorial integrity and support civil authorities in maintaining peace and security nationwide.
