BREAKING: Nigerian Army Announces Major Leadership Shake-Up

The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approving fresh appointments across key operational, command, training and staff positions as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness.

The strategic redeployment, announced on Friday, affects General Officers Commanding (GOCs), principal staff officers at Army Headquarters, commanders of operational formations and heads of military institutions.

According to the Army, the appointments are aimed at enhancing command efficiency, consolidating operational gains and sustaining its ongoing transformation drive.

Among the 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.

Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

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

In other operational postings, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu assumes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

The Army also appointed Major General SA Emmanuel as Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, underscoring its growing focus on technology-driven operations and emerging domains of warfare.

At the Defence Headquarters, Major General O Adegbe has been named Director of Intelligence and Security.

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

In the housing and infrastructure sector, Major General KO Ukandu has been named Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison takes over as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

Addressing the newly appointed officers, Lieutenant General Shaibu urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and dedication to duty.

He charged them to remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security across the country.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively responding to current and emerging security challenges in line with the country’s national security objectives.