Nigerian Army Announces Major Reshuffle, Names New GOCs and Commanders

The Nigerian Army has announced a significant reshuffle of its senior leadership, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), commanders, commandants, and principal staff officers to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance national security.

The announcement was made on Saturday by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations.

These appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affect key operational, command, training, and staff positions throughout the Army.

Under the new postings, Major General WM Dangana has been named General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.

Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South‑South Operation DELTA SAFE, taking over from Major General EE Emeka.

Major General JR Lar has been appointed Commander of the Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue as Chief of Staff to the COAS.

In other operational appointments, Brigadier General IB Buhari will command Headquarters 63 Brigade, and Brigadier General K Rabiu will take over Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, and Major General O Adegbe has become Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

The reshuffle also impacted military training institutions. Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo will serve as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.

Major General SO Adejimi has been named Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Brigadier General U Ahmad will serve as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Elsewhere, Major General KO Ukandu has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison will serve as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating professionalism, innovation, and exemplary leadership in the execution of their duties.

The Army said the reshuffle is part of its ongoing transformation drive, aimed at building a more professional, combat‑ready, and people‑oriented force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.