Army Announces Major Shake-Up, Names New GOCs, Commanders

The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, introducing new appointments across key operational commands, training institutions and strategic staff positions as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness.

The redeployment was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic postings to enhance the Army’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges across the country.

Among the appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been 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 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 reshuffle also saw Major General JR Lar appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola was named Acting Military Secretary (Army). 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 appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu became Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

In line with the Army’s growing emphasis on technology and modern warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.

The statement noted that the appointment reinforces the Army’s focus on emerging security domains and technology-driven military operations.

Major General O Adegbe was also appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

Within the Army’s training and educational institutions, Major General KE Chigbu was named Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo became 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 Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Brigadier General U Ahmad as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

The Army also appointed Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison will head Defence Properties Limited.

Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to demonstrate professionalism, innovation and exemplary leadership while remaining committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.