Army Redeploys 18 Generals To Strengthen National Security

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a strategic reshuffle of 18 senior officers across key operational, command, training and staff appointments within the Nigerian Army (NA).

A statement by the Army spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the redeployment is part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen national security and consolidate the Army’s capacity to address emerging security challenges across the country.

Anele said the development affects field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.

Among those affected is Major General WM Dangana, who has been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.

Major General EI Okoro takes over as General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

Similarly, Major General JR Lar has been appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri remains in the Office of the COAS as Chief of Staff.

Others affected include Brigadier General IB Buhari, who has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

Meanwhile, Major General SA Emmanuel takes command of the Nigerian Army Space Command, reinforcing the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.

Also, Major General O Adegbe has been appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, Major General SD Makolo has been appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School, Major General SO Adejimi becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport.

On the other hand, Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA).

Furthermore, Brigadier General U Ahmad takes over as Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria. Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security across the nation.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to its transformation drive and to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.