Nigerian Army reshuffles top Commanders, GOCs

The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, with new appointments affecting General Officers Commanding, GOCs, brigade commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.

The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness and enhancing the Army’s response to evolving security challenges across the country.

The changes were disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the strategic postings cut across operational theatres, training institutions and key administrative offices as part of ongoing efforts to bolster national security.

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

Similarly, Major General EI Okoro takes over as GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

At the Army Headquarters, Major General JR Lar has been appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue in his current role as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.

To strengthen field operations, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu will head Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

In recognition of the growing importance of technology in modern warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.

The Army said the appointment underscores its increasing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.

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

The reshuffle also affected military training and educational institutions.

Major General KE Chigbu has been named Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo takes over as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.

In addition, 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), Nigerian Army.

Brigadier General U Ahmad was also appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

The Army said the latest postings reflect its commitment to strengthening leadership across operational, training and administrative formations to improve combat readiness and enhance the service’s capacity to tackle the country’s security challenges.