The Nigerian Army has announced a major shake-up of its senior leadership, appointing Major General WM Danganaas the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE.
The appointment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, sees Major General Dangana replace Major General EF Oyinlola as part of a wider strategic redeployment of senior officers aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing national security and improving the Army’s response to evolving security challenges across the country.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the redeployment affects field commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.
Also affected by the reshuffle is Major General EI Okoro, who has been appointed General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
The Army also appointed Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I. Waziri will continue serving in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Chief of Staff.
To strengthen operational leadership and force readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been posted as Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K. Rabiu takes over command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In the area of emerging security operations, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General O. Adegbe becomes Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
The reshuffle also affected key training and educational institutions. Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo takes over as Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School. Major General SO Adejimi becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim assumes duty as Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC).
In addition, Brigadier General U. Ahmad has been appointed Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The Army also announced the appointments of Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL) and Major General AI Allison as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Nigerian Army said the latest postings underscore its commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing both current and emerging security challenges across the country.