By Oluwatobi Omotosho
The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, with new appointments affecting key operational, command, training and staff positions across the service.
The changes were announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the redeployments were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance the Army’s response to evolving security challenges.
Under the new postings, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro takes over as 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 has been appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola becomes Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.
The Army also appointed Brigadier General IB Buhari as Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade and Brigadier General K Rabiu as Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In line with its growing focus on technology-driven operations, Major General SA Emmanuel has been named Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General O Adegbe assumes office as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
Within the Army’s training institutions, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School, Major General SO Adejimi takes over as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim has been named Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The reshuffle further saw Major General KO Ukandu appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was named Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through professionalism, innovation and exemplary leadership in the discharge of their duties.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to building a professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing Nigeria’s current and emerging security challenges.
