Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), commanders and principal staff officers to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen national security.
The appointments were contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the redeployment approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, is aimed at repositioning the Army to address emerging security challenges across the country.
Among the appointments, Maj.-Gen. EI Okoro was named General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Maj.-Gen. EE Emeka.
Maj.-Gen. WM Dangana was appointed GOC, 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Maj.-Gen. EF Oyinlola.
Maj.-Gen. JR Lar was appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brig.-Gen. OM Oyekola was named Acting Military Secretary (Army).
Brig.-Gen. I Waziri retained his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
The Army also appointed Brig.-Gen. IB Buhari as Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, and Brig.-Gen. K Rabiu as Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
Maj.-Gen. O Adegbe was appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters.
In the area of military training and education, Maj.-Gen. KE Chigbu was named Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Maj.-Gen. SD Makolo became Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Brig.-Gen. U Ahmad was appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The statement also announced the appointment of Maj.-Gen. SA Emmanuel as Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command.
According to the Army, the appointment reflects its increasing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.
Also appointed were Maj.-Gen. KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, and Maj.-Gen. AI Allison as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Others include Maj.-Gen. SO Adejimi as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Maj.-Gen. FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.
The COAS urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, innovation and commitment to the Army’s constitutional responsibilities.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives,” the statement said.
