JUST IN: Army redeploys senior officers in nationwide command overhaul

The Nigerian Army has announced a natonwide redeployment of senior officers, with changes affecting key operational, command, training and administrative appointments as part of efforts to strengthen security and operational effectiveness.

The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele. The Army said the postings were designed to enhance its capacity to tackle emerging security challenges across the country.

Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana becomes the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, while Major General EI Okoro takes over as GOC 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE.

Major General JR Lar was appointed Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, Brigadier General OM Oyekola was named Acting Military Secretary (Army), while Brigadier General I Waziri retained his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.

To strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, Brigadier General K Rabiu became Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade, while Major General SA Emmanuel was named Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command to bolster technology-driven security operations.

The Army also approved appointments in military education and administration. Major General KE Chigbu was named Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, Major General SD Makolo became Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School, Major General SO Adejimi was appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim assumed office as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Brigadier General U Ahmad was also appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

In addition, Major General O Adegbe was appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters, while Major General KO Ukandu and Major General AI Allison were named Managing Directors of Post Housing Development Limited and Defence Properties Limited, respectively.

The Army said the Chief of Army Staff charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, maintaining territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in preserving peace and security across the country.