The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a sweeping redeployment of theatre commanders, General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and 15 senior generals in a major restructuring aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
The shake-up, which affected key operational formations, training institutions and strategic staff positions, is part of what the Nigerian Army described as efforts to improve combat readiness, enhance leadership efficiency and respond more effectively to evolving security threats such as terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the redeployment covered field commanders, heads of military institutions and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters, reflecting a broad-based effort to reposition the force for greater operational impact.
Under the new postings, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Similarly, Major General EI Okoro assumes office as GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, taking over from Major General EE Emekah.
Other key appointments included Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola becomes Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his role as Chief of Staff to the COAS.
In a move aimed at boosting operational command structure, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been named Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over as Commander of 31 Artillery Brigade.
Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, a development that underscores the military’s increasing focus on technology-driven and multi-domain warfare capabilities.
Major General O Adegbe was also named Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
The reshuffle further extended to training and doctrinal institutions.
Major General KE Chigbu is now Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Major General SO Adejimi would head the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim takes over as Chief of Training at TRADOC Nigerian Army. Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria.
In the defence-related corporate sector, Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison assumes leadership of Defence Properties Limited.
The COAS charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating professionalism, discipline, innovation and strong leadership in the discharge of their duties.
He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its transformation agenda, stressing its resolve to build a highly professional, combat-ready and people-focused force capable of addressing both current and emerging security challenges in line with Nigeria’s national security objectives.
