The Nigerian Army has announced a massive reorganisation of its senior leadership, including the appointment of new General Officers Commanding, GOCs, commanders, commandants, and chief staff officers, as part of efforts to improve operational effectiveness and national security.
Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, made the announcement in a statement on Saturday.
The appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affect key operational, command, training, and staff posts throughout the Army.
Major General WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 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 GOC of the Nigerian Army’s 6th Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
Major General JR Lar has been named Commander of the Army Headquarters Garrison, with Brigadier General OM Oyekola serving as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue to serve as Chief of Staff to the COAS.
Other operational appointments include Brigadier General IB Buhari commanding Headquarters 63 Brigade and Brigadier General K Rabiu taking over Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General O Adegbe has been named Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
The reorganisation also impacted military training facilities. Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, with Major General SD Makolo taking over as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Major General SO Adejimi has been nominated Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Brigadier General U Ahmad will be the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Depot at Zaria.