The Nigerian Army reshuffle has seen sweeping changes across its senior leadership, with new appointments affecting operational commands, training institutions and strategic positions at Army Headquarters as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness.
The changes were announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the redeployment was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. According to the Army, the exercise is designed to enhance its ability to respond to emerging security challenges while reinforcing professionalism, operational readiness and institutional efficiency.
As part of the Nigerian Army reshuffle, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, taking over from Major General EF Oyinlola. Major General EI Okoro was also 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 (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
To strengthen field operations and combat effectiveness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu will head Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade. Reflecting the Army’s increasing emphasis on technology and modern warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
The Army noted that the appointment reinforces its growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations. In another strategic appointment, Major General O Adegbe has been named Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
The Nigerian Army reshuffle also covers 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 will head the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport as Commandant, while Major General FS Etim assumes office as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The Army announced additional appointments within 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 takes over as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
The Army said the Chief of Army Staff charged all newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to national service. According to the statement, the officers are expected to remain focused on defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security across the country.
The Army added that it remains committed to its transformation agenda of building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing both present and future security challenges. The Nigerian Army reshuffle forms part of the military’s broader efforts to strengthen operational leadership and improve its capacity to respond to evolving security threats nationwide.
