Redeployment of Theatre Commanders, GOCs, and 15 Generals to Revitalize the Fight Against Terrorism, Banditry, and Kidnapping

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has carried out a redeployment of theatre commanders, General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and fifteen other generals. The move is intended to refresh the Nigerian Army’s operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other emerging security threats nationwide.

This comprehensive reshuffle touches key operational, command, training and staff positions, and is part of the Army’s ongoing strategy to boost operational effectiveness, strengthen national security and consolidate its capacity to confront evolving challenges.

According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the appointments include field commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.

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 the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.

Major General EI Okoro will take over as GOC of the 6th Division and Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force South‑South Operation Delta Safe, replacing Major General EE Emekah.

In addition, Major General JR Lar has been appointed Commander of the Army Headquarters Garrison, Brigadier General OM Oyekola has become Acting Military Secretary (Army), and Brigadier General I Waziri will retain his role as Chief of Staff to the COAS.

To strengthen operational leadership and force readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been named Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, Brigadier General K Rabiu will command Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, and Major General O Adegbe has taken the post of Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

The reshuffle also covers key roles in professional military education and institutional development. Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, 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, Major General FS Etim will act as Chief of Training at Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), and Brigadier General U Ahmad has been appointed Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Other appointments include 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.

The COAS urged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate of defending the country’s sovereignty, safeguarding its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security across the nation.

He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and committed to building a highly professional, combat‑ready and people‑oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.