JUST IN: Army redeploys GOCs, commanders in major shake-up

The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, with changes affecting key operational, command, training and staff appointments.

The extensive reshuffle, approved by lieutenant general Waidi Shaibu, the chief of army staff was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by Colonel Appolonia Anele, the acting director of army public relations.

According to the Army, the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition the force to respond more effectively to evolving security threats across the country.

Among the new appointments, major general WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.

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

Major General JR Lar will now head the Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office 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.

The Army also announced the appointment of Brigadier General IB Buhari as Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade and Brigadier General K Rabiu as Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

In a move reflecting the military’s growing focus on technology-driven security operations, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.

Major General O Adegbe will serve as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

The reshuffle also affected military training institutions. Major General KE Chigbu has been named Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo takes charge as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.

Similarly, Major General SO Adejimi has been appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim becomes Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

Brigadier General U Ahmad has been posted as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Outside operational commands, Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison will head Defence Properties Limited as Managing Director.

Charging the newly appointed officers, the Chief of Army Staff urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism and innovation.

“The newly appointed senior officers are expected to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security across the nation,” the statement said.

The Army added that it remains committed to its transformation agenda of building a professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing both current and emerging security challenges.