The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, with Major General JR Lar appointed as the new Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, alongside the appointment of new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and Principal Staff Officers across key formations and institutions.
The appointments were approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaiubu, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness, improve national security, and enhance the Army’s response to evolving security challenges.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the redeployments are aimed at reinforcing leadership across operational, command, training and administrative formations of the Nigerian Army.
Under the new postings, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Safe Haven, taking over from Major General EF Oyinlola.
Similarly, 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, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
A key highlight of the reshuffle is the appointment of Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, a strategic command responsible for the security and administration of the Army Headquarters.
Other notable appointments include Brigadier General OM Oyekola as Acting Military Secretary (Army), while Brigadier General I. Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.
To strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K. Rabiu assumes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In the area of emerging security operations, Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, reflecting the Army’s increasing investment in technology-driven and space-related defence capabilities.
Also, Major General O. Adegbe has been posted to Defence Headquarters as Director of Intelligence and Security.
Within the military education sector, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant, National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School.
Further appointments include Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training, Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Brigadier General U. Ahmad as Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The Army also approved the appointment of Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL) and Major General AI Allison as Managing Director, Defence Properties Limited.
The Chief of Army Staff urged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by exhibiting exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of addressing both current and future security challenges across the country
