Nigerian Army names new GOCs, commanders

Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, with the appointment of new General Officers Commanding, GOCs, commanders, commandants and principal staff officers as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance national security.

This was announced in a statement on Saturday by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations.

The appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affect key operational, command, training and staff positions across the Army.

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

Major General EI Okoro has been named GOC 6 Division 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, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri will continue serving as Chief of Staff to the COAS.

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

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

The reshuffle also affected military training institutions. Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo takes over 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 becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, innovation and exemplary leadership in the discharge 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.