The Nigerian Army has announced a major redeployment of theatre commanders, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), and 15 other senior officers as part of efforts to strengthen military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats across the country.

The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affects key operational, command, training, and administrative appointments and is aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and improving the Army’s capacity to address evolving security challenges.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the reshuffle covers field commanders, commandants of military institutions, and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.

Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola. Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, succeeding Major General EE Emekah.

Major General JR Lar takes over as Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola has been appointed Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.

As part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been posted as Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu assumes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

The Army also announced the appointment of Major General SA Emmanuel as Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, reflecting its growing focus on technology-driven security operations. Major General O Adegbe has been named Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

In the area of military training 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 has been posted as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, 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 the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Other appointments include Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation, and dedication to the Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready, and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing both current and future security challenges.

Meanwhile, the Army Chief has expressed confidence that more than 8,000 newly trained soldiers will significantly boost ongoing military operations and enhance efforts to restore peace and security across the country.

Speaking at the Passing Out Parade of the recruits at the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, Osun State, Shaibu described the graduation as a major milestone in the Army’s deliberate efforts to strengthen its manpower and sustain operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other emerging security threats.

According to Colonel Anele, the COAS said the passing-out ceremony underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready, and mission-oriented force capable of supporting Nigeria’s national security objectives.

Shaibu explained that the recruitment exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s directive under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel into the Nigerian Army.

He noted that the initiative is designed to address manpower shortages, improve operational effectiveness, and further strengthen the Army’s ability to respond decisively to the country’s evolving security challenges.