Shake Up In Military Commands: COAS, Shaihu, Names New GOCs

By Ayodele Oni

To enhance operational effectiveness, the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a strategic reshuffling of senior officers across command, training, and staff positions in the Nigerian Army.

The appointments were announced on Saturday, by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the move was to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen national security.

Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace. He replaces Major General EF Oyinlola.

Major General EI Okoro takes over as GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

Other major postings include: Major General JR Lar: Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Brigadier General OM Oyekola: Acting Military Secretary (Army), Brigadier General IB Buhari: Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade.

Others are Brigadier General K Rabiu: Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade,

Major General SA Emmanuel: Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, Major General O Adegbe: Director, Intelligence and Security, Defence Headquarters and Brigadier General I Waziri remains Chief of Staff in the Office of the COAS.

To deepen force readiness, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant, National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School.

Major General SO Adejimi is now Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport. Major General FS Etim will serve as Chief of Training, TRADOC NA. Brigadier General U Ahmad takes over as Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Major General KO Ukandu and Major General AI Allison were named Managing Director/CEO of Post Housing Development Limited and Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited, respectively.

Anele said Shaibu urged the new appointees to demonstrate “exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment” to the Army’s mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting civil authority.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force,” Anele stated.