The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country.
The changes, affecting key operational, command, training and staff appointments, were disclosed on Saturday in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Among the appointments, Major General EI Okoro becomes General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
Major General JR Lar was appointed Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve 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.
Brigadier General IB Buhari was named Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over as Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade to strengthen operational leadership and combat readiness.
Major General O Adegbe was also appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the redeployment was designed to enhance the Army’s capacity to tackle emerging security threats.
Major General WM Dangana was appointed GOC 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
In the education sector, Major General KE Chigbu becomes Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo was appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School. Brigadier General U Ahmad was named Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, a move the Army said reflects its increasing focus on technology-driven security operations and emerging domains of warfare.
Other appointments include Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, Major General AI Allison as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited, Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command.
The Army said the Chief of Army Staff urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.