Nigerian Army Chief approves redeployment of senior officers

In a significant move to enhance operational effectiveness and administrative efficiency, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has approved the posting and appointment of several senior officers of the Nigerian Army to key command, staff, and instructional positions.

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, made this announcement, highlighting the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to ensure a robust and adaptable leadership structure.

This large-scale redeployment underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining a dynamic and responsive leadership structure capable of addressing evolving security challenges across the country.

The redeployment affects a wide range of strategic roles, including Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at the Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of Army training institutions, Brigade Commanders, and other critical positions.

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Among the significant appointments, Maj Gen LA Fejokwu has been transferred from the National Defence College to the Department of Army Administration, where he will serve as Chief of Administration (Army).

Maj Gen GU Chibuisi has moved from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to the Department of Civil Military Affairs, now serving as Chief of Civil Military Affairs.

Maj Gen AS Ndalolo has also transitioned from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to the Department of Army Training, where he will hold the position of Chief of Training (Army).

Other notable appointments include Maj Gen OS Abai, who moves from the Department of Army Training to the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, taking on the role of Chief of Transformation and Innovation.

Similarly, Maj Gen JH Abdussalam has been reassigned from Headquarters 6 Division to the Department of Special Services and Programmes as the Chief of Special Services and Programmes.

The redeployment also involves the appointment of new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) in various divisions.

Maj Gen OT Olatoye has been moved from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry to Headquarters 82 Division/Joint Task Force (JTF) Southeast Operation UDO KA (OPUK) as GOC 82 Division/Commander JTF OPUK.

Meanwhile, Maj Gen EF Oyinlola, formerly with the Department of Military Secretary, will now lead Headquarters 3 Division as GOC 3 Division/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH).

The acting appointments of Maj Gen AGL Haruna as GOC 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 JTF Northeast Operation HADIN KAI and Maj Gen IA Ajose as GOC 8 Division/Commander Sector 2 JTF Northwest Operation FANSAN YAMMA have been confirmed as substantive roles.

The reshuffle includes new Corps Commanders, such as Maj Gen OC Ajunwa, now heading the Nigerian Army Armour Corps, and Maj Gen HT Wesley, leading the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps.

Maj Gen TT Numbere has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Engineers.

In the training institutions, Maj Gen JO Sokoya takes over as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Training Centre, and Maj Gen UM Alkali is now Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria.

Additionally, Maj Gen FS Etim has been assigned as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, and Maj Gen AB Mohammed is now the Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army.

Lieutenant General Oluyede has directed all newly appointed officers to approach their new roles with renewed vigour, dedication, and commitment, particularly in sustaining the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other national security threats.

He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of troops as they assume their new duties.

This reshuffle is seen as a strategic initiative to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capability to address current and future security challenges while ensuring effective leadership and management within its ranks.