Reshuffle in the Army as COAS approves major redeployment

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the redeployment of senior officers in the Army, with appointments in key operational, command, training and staff areas.

The reshuffle was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said it was part of efforts to strengthen national security and increase operational effectiveness across the country.

This deployment impacts field commanders, school commanders, and principal staff at Army Headquarters.

Pursuant to the new appointment, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.

Likewise, Major General EI Okoro has been appointed as Land Component Commander of the Nigerian Army GOC 6th Division and South-South Operations Joint Task Force DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

The statement also announced the appointment of Major General JR Lar as Garrison Commander of Army Headquarters, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri continues to serve as Chief of Staff at the Office of the Army Chief of Staff.

As part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership and combat readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of the 31st Headquarters Artillery Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu was appointed Commander of the 31st Headquarters Artillery Brigade.

In a move that reflects the Army’s growing emphasis on technology and emerging security threats, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.

The statement noted that the designation “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on technology-based warfare and security operations.”

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

In the area of ​​military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commander of the National Defense School, while Major General SD Makolo became Commander of the Nigerian Army Armor School.

Other appointments include Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport and Major General FS Etim as Head of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC).

Brigadier General U Ahmad was also appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria.

The subsequent reshuffle saw Major General KO Ukandu appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was appointed as Managing Director of Defense Properties Limited.

The statement added, “The COAS tasked the newly appointed senior officers to justify the trust reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect its territorial integrity and support civil authorities in maintaining peace and security across the country.

“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its transformation efforts and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in achieving Nigeria’s national security objectives.”