Nigerian Army announces major leadership reshuffle, appoints new GOCs, commanders

The Nigerian Army has approved a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), commanders, commandants and principal staff officers as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and improve national security.

 

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

 

According to the statement, the changes, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affect key operational, command, training and staff positions across the Army.

 

Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.

 

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, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.

 

Major General JR Lar has been named Commander, 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 to the COAS.

 

In other appointments, Brigadier General IB Buhari will command Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

 

Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General O Adegbe becomes Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

 

The reshuffle also affects military training 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 appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim assumes office as Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Brigadier General U Ahmad has been named Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

 

Elsewhere, Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

 

Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, innovation and exemplary leadership in the discharge of their responsibilities.

 

The Army said the reshuffle forms part of its ongoing transformation drive aimed at building a more professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.