By Chiemeka Ugwowo, Abuja
Army reshuffles top commanders, appoints new GOCs, others in major redeployment
The Nigerian Army has carried out a fresh round of senior-level appointments affecting General Officers Commanding (GOCs), brigade commanders, training institutions, and other key operational and administrative positions in a move aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening national security.
The redeployments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, were announced on Saturday in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele. The Army said the changes form part of ongoing efforts to enhance its capacity to respond to evolving security challenges across the country.
Under the new postings, Maj. Gen. WM Dangana has been appointed GOC 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, taking over from Maj. Gen. EF Oyinlola. In the same vein, 
Maj. Gen. EI Okoro has been named GOC 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Maj. Gen. EE Emeka.
At the Army Headquarters level, Maj. Gen. JR Lar becomes Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brig. Gen. OM Oyekola has been appointed Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brig. Gen. I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.
Other appointments include Brig. Gen. IB Buhari as Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, and Brig. Gen. K Rabiu as Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move reflecting the Army’s growing focus on modern warfare and emerging security domains, Maj. Gen. SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
Further postings include Maj. Gen. O Adegbe as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters; Maj. Gen. KE Chigbu as Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College; Maj. Gen. SD Makolo as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School; Maj. Gen. SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport; and Maj. Gen. FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Brig. Gen. U Ahmad has been appointed Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, while Maj. Gen. KO Ukandu and Maj. Gen. AI Allison will serve as Managing Directors of Post Housing Development Limited and Defence Properties Limited respectively.
The Army urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, innovation, and strong leadership in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
It reaffirmed its commitment to building a combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing current and future security challenges.
