By Sadiq Shehu, Abuja

The Nigerian Army has approved a comprehensive reshuffle of senior officers, affecting key operational, command, training, intelligence, and administrative positions across the country.

The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership capacity, and improving the Army’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army described the exercise as part of its ongoing transformation agenda designed to bolster national security and improve combat readiness.

According to the statement, the postings involve General Officers Commanding (GOCs), brigade commanders, commandants of military institutions, and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.

Among the major appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.

Similarly, Major General EI Okoro has been appointed General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

Major General JR Lar has been appointed Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army).

Brigadier General I Waziri will continue in his role as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.

To reinforce operational leadership across formations, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over as Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

In a development that underscores the Army’s increasing focus on technology-driven warfare and emerging security threats, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.

The Army noted that the appointment reflects its commitment to expanding capabilities in modern warfare domains and strengthening technology-based security operations.

At the Defence Headquarters, Major General O Adegbe has been appointed Director of Intelligence and Security, a critical position responsible for coordinating strategic intelligence and security operations.

The reshuffle also affects key military educational institutions. Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.

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

In another strategic appointment, Brigadier General U Ahmad has been named Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, one of the Army’s foremost training institutions.

The redeployment also extends to military-owned corporate organisations. Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison takes over as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation, and dedication to duty.

He urged them to remain committed to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibilities of defending the nation’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

The Army Chief further emphasised the importance of discipline, strategic thinking, and operational excellence in addressing contemporary security threats confronting the country.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Army remains committed to its ongoing transformation drive and the development of a highly professional, combat-ready, and people-oriented force.

The Army reiterated its determination to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance operational efficiency in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives and long-term stability.