By Amofokhai Williams
In a sweeping reshuffle designed to strengthen command efficiency and sharpen operational readiness, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the redeployment and appointment of senior officers to key command, staff, and instructional positions across the Nigerian Army.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the high-level postings are aimed at reinvigorating leadership, improving coordination, and repositioning the force to confront emerging security threats across the country.
Among those affected is Major General Bamidele Alabi, who now heads the Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army). Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, formerly Chief of Special Services and Programmes, has been posted to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Operations, while Major General Peter Mala moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser to head Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as Commander.
Others include Major General Samson Jiya, now Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget; Major General Mayirenso Saraso, appointed Chief of Operations (Army); and Major General Isa Abdullahi, now Chief of Administration (Army).
The shake-up also saw Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi become Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Abubakar Haruna assume command of the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, and Major General Philip Ilodibia move to the Defence Space Administration as Chief.
In a further restructuring of corps leadership, Major General Godwin Mutkut becomes Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar takes charge of the Armour Corps, Major General John Adeyemo now leads the Artillery Corps, and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi heads Army Signals.
Other key appointments include Major General Taofik Sidick as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim as Corps Commander Ordnance, and Major General Adeyinka Adereti as Corps Commander Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
Major General Nansak Shagaya now leads the Corps of Supply and Transport, while Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed assumes duty as Acting Corps Commander Education.
In the training institutions, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye has been named Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Major General Emmanuel Mustapha takes over as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Signal School, and Major General Adamu Hassan becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery.
Field command appointments include Major General Saidu Audu as Force Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), N’Djamena, Major General Warrah Idris as Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, and Major General Oluremi Fadairo as General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, and Commander, Operation Udoka (South East).
At the Defence Headquarters, Major General Olatokumbo Bello is now Director of Defence Media Operations, while Brigadier General Samaila Uba takes over as Director of Defence Information.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed commanders to bring their wealth of operational and administrative experience to bear, sustain the Army’s operational tempo, and uphold its values of loyalty, integrity, and selfless service.
“The task ahead demands discipline, foresight, and unity of purpose. We must continue to strengthen interagency collaboration and remain resolute in defending the sovereignty of our nation,” the Army chief declared.
