By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Abuja – The Nigerian Army has announced a major redeployment of senior officers across operational, command, training and staff appointments as part of efforts to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen national security.
The changes, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affected field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.
Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola. Major General EI Okoro has also been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
Major General JR Lar was appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumed office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retained his position as Chief of Staff to the COAS.
In other key postings, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu took command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
Major General SA Emmanuel was named Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General O Adegbe was appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
The Army also announced several appointments in military education and training institutions. Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo became Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School. Major General SO Adejimi was named Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim was appointed Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA).
Similarly, Brigadier General U Ahmad has been appointed Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria. Major General KO Ukandu was named Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL), while Major General AI Allison was appointed Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
The COAS charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and dedication to duty.
According to the Army, the redeployment forms part of ongoing efforts to build a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing contemporary and emerging security challenges across the country.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
