“Strengthen National Security, Operational Readiness” — COAS Redeploys 19 Generals, Names New GOCs For 3, 6 Divisions In Army Shake-Up

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has approved the redeployment of 19 generals as part of efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen national security and improve the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to emerging security challenges across the country.

The new postings affected field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Army spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, said Major General W.M. Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace.

Dangana replaces Major General E.F. Oyinlola.

Anele also said Major General E.I. Okoro has been appointed General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe.

Okoro replaces Major General E.E. Emeka.

According to the statement, Major General J.R. Lar has been appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General O.M. Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary, Army.

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

As part of efforts to deepen operational leadership and force readiness, Brigadier General I.B. Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K. Rabiu takes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

Anele said Major General S.A. Emmanuel has been appointed Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, a move she said reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.

Major General O. Adegbe was also appointed Director, Intelligence and Security, at Defence Headquarters.

In the area of professional military education and institutional development, Major General K.E. Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General S.D. Makolo becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School.

The statement added that Major General S.O. Adejimi has been appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General F.S. Etim takes over as Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army.

Brigadier General U. Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Other appointments include Major General K.O. Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, and Major General A.I. Allison as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

The Chief of Army Staff charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate.

He urged them to remain focused on defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security across the country.