Nigerian Army appoints new GOCs for 3 and 6 Divisions in major leadership reshuffle

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the appointment of new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for the 3 Division in Jos and the 6 Division in Port Harcourt, alongside a fresh Commander for the Army Headquarters Garrison, as part of a major reshuffle of senior officers across the Nigerian Army.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, describing the redeployment as a strategic move aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing national security and improving the Army’s ability to respond to emerging security threats.

According to the statement, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.

Major General EI Okoro has been named General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.

The Army also appointed Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri remains Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.

As part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes over as Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

In the technology and emerging warfare domain, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology-driven security operations.

Major General O Adegbe has also been appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at the Defence Headquarters.

In the area of military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.

Similarly, Major General SO Adejimi has been appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, while Major General FS Etim assumes office as Chief of Training at the Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Brigadier General U Ahmad has been appointed Commandant, 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 Chief of Army Staff charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

The statement added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its transformation agenda and to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing both current and future security challenges in line with Nigeria’s national security objectives.