Nigerian Army Announces Major Leadership Shake-Up, Appoints New GOCs, Commanders

The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, with new appointments across operational commands, training institutions and strategic headquarters in what it described as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness.

The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affects General Officers Commanding (GOCs), brigade commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.

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

According to the statement, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed 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 named General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

The Army also appointed Major General JR Lar as Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve as Acting Military Secretary at Army Headquarters.

Brigadier General I Waziri retained his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.

In other operational appointments, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been named Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu will head Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

As part of efforts to strengthen its capabilities in emerging areas of warfare, the Army appointed Major General SA Emmanuel as Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.

The Army said the appointment underscores its growing emphasis on technology-driven security operations and modern warfare capabilities.

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

Several changes were equally made in military education and institutional development.

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 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 also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Beyond operational and training appointments, the Army announced new leadership for some of its corporate institutions.

Major General KO Ukandu has been named 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 senior officers to justify the confidence placed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism and innovation.

According to the Chief of Army Staff, the officers are expected to remain committed to the Army's constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria's sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

The Army said the redeployment forms part of its broader transformation agenda aimed at building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of responding effectively to Nigeria's current and emerging security challenges.