Nigerian Army unveils major leadership reshuffle, appoints new commanders

A shake-up has been effected among the senior ranks of the Nigerian Army with fresh appointments made in several important operational, command, training, and administrative posts across the country.

The news was revealed in a press statement signed on Saturday by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Appolonia Anele.

As stated in the press statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the green light for the strategic reshuffle in order to bolster the nation’s security.

It was reported that the shake-up would affect field commanders, commandants of military institutions, and principal staff officers of the Army Headquarters.

With respect to the latest appointments, it is to be noted that Major General WM Dangana has been appointed GOC 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE in place of Major General EF Oyinlola.

Major General EI Okoro has been appointed as GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army & Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE taking over from Major General EE Emeka.

As Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General JR Lar will deputize for Major General EE Emeka while Brigadier General OM Oyekola has been appointed as Acting Military Secretary (Army).

The Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff remains Brigadier General I Waziri.

With a view to strengthening operational command, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed as Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade while Brigadier General K Rabiu will command Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

As part of measures to enhance military operations in the technological age, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of Nigerian Army Space Command.

According to the Army, this appointment is part of the focus on emerging dimensions of warfare and technology-driven operations.

Meanwhile, Major General O Adegbe has been appointed as Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters.

Within the field of military education, Major General KE Chigbu is now the Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.

Among the other appointments made are that of Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Brigadier General U Ahmad as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Also included in the list of appointments made are Major General KO Ukandu as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, and Major General AI Allison as the Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

The Chief of Army Staff urged the new appointees to justify the trust placed on them by displaying leadership qualities and dedication in the performance of their constitutional mandate of ensuring that Nigeria is defended against all security threats.

The Nigerian Army will continue to build itself into an efficient, highly professional and combat-ready Army that puts the welfare of the people first.