By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Nigerian Army has undertaken a strategic reshuffling of senior officers to strengthen operational efficiency and address evolving security concerns, following approval by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, described the redeployment as a proactive measure to bolster the Army’s operational and administrative effectiveness.
He added that the reshuffle affects key positions, including Corps Commanders, Principal Officers, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Brigade Commanders, and leaders of Army training institutions.
“The move demonstrates the Army’s commitment to a dynamic leadership capable of tackling emerging security challenges,” Nwachukwu said.
Key appointments include Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, now Chief of Administration (Army), transitioning from the National Defence College. Similarly, Maj.-Gen. GU Chibuisi has been assigned as Chief of Civil Military Affairs, moving from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre. Maj.-Gen. AS Ndalolo assumes the role of Chief of Training (Army) in the Department of Army Training.
Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai has been appointed Chief of Transformation and Innovation, while Maj.-Gen. JH Abdussalam will now serve as Chief of Special Services and Programmes.
Among the new GOCs, Maj.-Gen. OT Olatoye takes command of 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, while Maj.-Gen. EF Oyinlola assumes leadership of Headquarters 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN. The acting roles of Maj.-Gen. AGL Haruna for 7 Division and Maj.-Gen. IA Ajose for 8 Division have been confirmed.
Additional appointments include Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye as Director of Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa as Commander of the Nigerian Army Armour Corps, and Maj.-Gen. Henry Wesley as Commander of the Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps.
Leadership positions in Army institutions have also been reassigned. Maj.-Gen. JO Sokoya is now Commandant of the Nigerian Army Training Centre, while Maj.-Gen. UM Alkali assumes the role of Commandant at the Army War College Nigeria. Maj.-Gen. FS Etim has been appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, and Maj.-Gen. AB Mohammed will head the Depot Nigerian Army.
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede has urged the newly appointed officers to exhibit dedication and renewed vigor in tackling terrorism, insurgency, and other security challenges. He also highlighted the importance of prioritizing the welfare of troops.
“The redeployment aims to strengthen the Army’s capacity to address security threats and achieve mission success,” Nwachukwu concluded.
