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Nigerian Army Leadership Reshuffle to Bolster National Security Efforts

Published by admin on January 12th, 2025.

Nigerian Army Leadership Reshuffle to Bolster National Security Efforts

The Nigerian Army has undergone a significant restructuring under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, aimed at improving operational capabilities and addressing security challenges, including terrorism and other national threats.

In a strategic move to enhance effectiveness, the COAS appointed several new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), and Corps Commanders, along with a new Commander for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). This reshuffle was announced on Saturday through a statement from the Army’s Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu.

Among the new appointments, Major General OT Olatoye, previously with the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, has been assigned as the GOC 82 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) South East Operation Udoka (OPUK) in Enugu. Additionally, Major General EF Oyinlola has been redeployed from the Department of Military Secretary to head 3 Division in Jos, overseeing Operation Safe Haven (OPSH). The statement further confirmed the confirmation of acting appointments for Major General AGL Haruna, the new Commander of 7 Division/sector leader for Operation Hadin Kai, and Major General IA Ajose as GOC 8 Division, also commanding Sector 2 of JTF North-west.

Major General GM Mutkut has been appointed the new Force Commander of MNJTF in Njamena, while Major General GO Adeshina moves to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Director General. Other key appointments at the Army Headquarters include Major General LA Fejokwu as Chief of Administration (Army), Major General GU Chibuisi as Chief of Civil Military Affairs, and Major General AS Ndalolo as Chief of Training (Army).

In the Corps Commanders’ section, new assignments have been made for Major Generals OC Ajunwa (Nigerian Army Armoured Corps), HT Wesley (Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps), and TT Numbere (Nigerian Army Engineers). Meanwhile, Major General ZL Abubakar will now head the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, and Major General AP Oguntola will take command at the Nigerian Army Education Corps.

Additional leadership shifts include Major General J.O. Sokoya as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Major General UM Alkali as Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, and Major General FS Etim moving to the Nigerian Army School of Infantry as Commandant. Further appointments were made across various strategic positions, ensuring that leadership remains dynamic and adaptable to the nation’s security needs.

The COAS emphasized that the newly appointed officers must bring fresh energy, focus, and commitment to their roles, particularly in continuing the fight against terrorism and safeguarding national security. They were also reminded of their responsibility to prioritize the welfare of the troops they now lead.

This reshuffle highlights the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership and responsiveness to the evolving security landscape.