Focus on Technology, Operations as Army Announces Major Command Changes

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has undertaken a major reorganisation of the Nigerian Army’s senior leadership, redeploying top commanders across operational theatres, training institutions and strategic headquarters in a move aimed at strengthening the military’s response to evolving security threats.
The shake-up, announced on Saturday, affects key command positions in some of the country’s most sensitive security formations, including operations in the North-Central and South-South regions, where troops continue to confront insurgency, banditry, oil theft and other security challenges.
A statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the redeployments were designed to enhance operational effectiveness and improve the Army’s capacity to address emerging threats.
Among the changes, Major General WM Dangana was appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, while Major General EI Okoro takes over as General Officer Commanding 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE.
The Army Headquarters Garrison will now be headed by Major General JR Lar, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes duties as Acting Military Secretary. Brigadier General I Waziri remains Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
In what observers may view as a reflection of the military’s increasing focus on technology-driven warfare, Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, a strategic formation responsible for supporting operations through space and emerging technology capabilities.
The restructuring also extends to military training and professional development institutions, with Major General KE Chigbu named Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College and Major General SD Makolo appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Other appointments include Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Brigadier General U Ahmad as Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through professionalism, innovation and effective leadership, stressing that the Army remains committed to building a combat-ready force capable of addressing both current and emerging security challenges.
The latest redeployment represents one of the most significant command adjustments since Shaibu assumed office and is expected to shape the Army’s operational posture as security agencies intensify efforts to tackle threats across different parts of the country.