Nigerian Army Overhauls Command Structure, Installs New GOCs and Commanders

The Nigerian Army has revealed a comprehensive reorganization involving its top officers, affecting crucial operational, command, training, and staff roles. This strategic redeployment, announced on Saturday by Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, is intended to reinforce national security and boost the Army's operational capabilities across the nation. The statement specified that the changes impacted field commanders, heads of military institutions, and key principal staff officers within the Army Headquarters.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, sanctioned these high-level appointments, emphasizing their goal of strengthening the Army’s ability to confront evolving security threats. Among the significant appointments, Major General WM Dangana takes over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and assumes command of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola. Similarly, Major General EI Okoro has been designated as GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and also serves as the Land Component Commander for the Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

Further appointments include Major General JR Lar, who is now the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will function as the Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue in his role as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff. To enhance operational leadership and combat readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been named Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, and Brigadier General K Rabiu is appointed Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

Reflecting the Army's increasing focus on technology and contemporary security challenges, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command. This particular appointment, as noted in the statement, “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.” Additionally, Major General O Adegbe now holds the position of Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

In the realm of military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, and Major General SD Makolo is now the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School. Other educational appointments include Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC). Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been named Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Moreover, the reshuffle saw Major General KO Ukandu appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, with Major General AI Allison taking on the role of Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

The Chief of Army Staff urged the newly appointed senior officers to uphold the trust placed in them by exhibiting exceptional leadership, professionalism, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional duty. This mandate includes defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, safeguarding its territorial integrity, and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security nationwide. The statement concluded by affirming, “The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment 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.”