Army announces major shake-up, appoints new GOCs, commanders

Nigerian Army has announced new appointments of senior officers across key operational, command, training and staff positions as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army said the redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, is aimed at enhancing the service’s capacity to tackle emerging security challenges.

Among the new appointments, Maj. Gen. WM Dangana was named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General. EF Oyinlola .Major General EI Okoro was appointed GOC 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Maj. Gen. EE Emeka.

The reshuffle also saw Maj. Gen. JR Lar appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brig. Gen. OM Oyekola became Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brig. Gen. I Waziri retained his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.

To strengthen operational leadership, Brig. Gen. IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brig. Gen. K Rabiu was named Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.In line with the Army’s growing focus on technology and emerging security threats, Maj. Gen. SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.Other appointments include Maj. Gen. O Adegbe as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. KE Chigbu as Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, Maj. Gen. SD Makolo as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School, Maj. Gen. SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Maj. Gen. FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).Brig. Gen. U Ahmad was appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, while Maj. Gen. KO Ukandu and Maj. Gen. 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 by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

It added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing current and future security challenges.