Nigerian Army in Major Shake-Up: Senior Officers Redeployed Amid Rising Insecurity

The Nigerian Army has announced a significant reshuffling of senior officers across various commands, staff, and instructional positions in an effort to address escalating insecurity and terrorist activities across the country. This development was confirmed in a statement released by the Army’s spokesperson, Maj-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday.

According to the statement, the directive was approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness. The redeployments involve Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Brigade Commanders, and leaders of training institutions.

Among the key appointments, Maj Gen LA Fejokwu has been transferred from the National Defence College to the Department of Army Administration as Chief of Administration (Army). Similarly, Maj Gen GU Chibuisi moves from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to the Department of Civil Military Affairs as Chief of Civil Military Affairs, while Maj Gen AS Ndalolo takes over as Chief of Training (Army) at the Department of Army Training.

Other notable transfers include Maj Gen OS Abai, who now heads the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation as Chief of Transformation and Innovation, and Maj Gen JH Abdussalam, appointed Chief of Special Services and Programmes after his move from Headquarters 6 Division. Maj Gen EI Okoro has been redeployed from the Department of Army Logistics to the Department of Military Secretary, where he will serve as Military Secretary (Army).

The redeployment also includes new appointments for General Officers Commanding (GOCs). Maj Gen OT Olatoye will now lead the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA as GOC/Commander JTF OPUK. Maj Gen EF Oyinlola takes over as GOC 3 Division/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN. Meanwhile, Maj Gen AGL Haruna and Maj Gen IA Ajose have had their acting roles as GOCs of the 7th and 8th Divisions confirmed as substantive.

In other assignments, Maj Gen GO Adeshina has been appointed Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, while Maj Gen GM Mutkut assumes the role of Force Commander at the Multi-National Joint Task Force in N’Djamena. Additionally, Maj Gen MC Kangye has been transferred to Defence Headquarters as Director of Media Operations.

Several Corps Commanders have also been reassigned. Maj Gen OC Ajunwa will now lead the Nigerian Army Armour Corps, Maj Gen HT Wesley has been appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, and Maj Gen TT Numbere is set to head the Nigerian Army Engineers.