Army reshuffles top commanders, appoints new GOCs 

Waidi Shaibu, chief of Army Staff (COAS), has approved a major reshuffle of senior officers across the Nigerian Army, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for the 3 Division in Jos and the 6 Division in Port Harcourt, alongside a new Commander for the Army Headquarters Garrison, as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and tackle the country’s evolving security challenges.

The changes, announced in a statement on Saturday by Appolonia Anele, acting director of Army Public Relations,  form part of a strategic redeployment affecting key operational, command, training and staff appointments across the Nigerian Army.

According to the statement,  WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, taking over from  EF Oyinlola.

Similarly,  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  EE Emeka.

The Army also appointed  JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while  OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army).  I Waziri will continue serving as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.

As part of efforts to reinforce operational leadership and enhance force readiness,  IB Buhari has been posted as Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while  K Rabiu takes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

In a move reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology-driven security operations,  SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.

The statement also announced the appointment of  O Adegbe as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

The redeployment extends to military education and institutional development, with Major General KE Chigbu appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College.

SD Makolo has been named Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School, while  SO Adejimi will head the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport.

 FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), and  U Ahmad assumes duty as Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

In the Army’s corporate establishments,  KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while  AI Allison takes over as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

 Shaibu urged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence placed in them by exhibiting exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Army’s constitutional responsibilities.

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

 The statement said the Nigerian Army remains determined to sustain its transformation agenda by building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of responding effectively to both current and emerging security threats.