In a strategic move to reinvigorate leadership, enhance command efficiency, and boost operational effectiveness, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the posting and appointment of senior officers to key command, staff, and instructional positions across the Nigerian Army.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the reshuffle is aimed at repositioning the Nigerian Army for optimal performance in addressing contemporary security challenges across the country.

Among the newly appointed senior officers is Major General Bamidele Alabi, who has been redeployed to 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, now moves to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Operations, while Major General Peter Mala proceeds from the Office of the National Security Adviser to assume duties as Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.

Also affected is Major General Samson Jiya, who moves from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.

Other notable appointments include Major General Mayirenso Saraso, now Chief of Operations (Army); Major General Isa Abdullahi, Chief of Administration (Army); and Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, appointed Chief of Civil-Military Affairs. Major General Abubakar Haruna assumes command at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, while Major General Philip Ilodibia becomes Chief of Defence Space Administration.

In the same vein, Major General Godwin Mutkut has been appointed Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar takes over as Commander Armour Corps, and Major General John Adeyemo becomes Corps Commander Artillery. Major General Mohammed Abdullahi now serves as Corps Commander Signals.

Other strategic postings include Major General Taofik Sidick as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army); Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim as Corps Commander Ordnance; Major General Adeyinka Adereti as Corps Commander Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; and Major General Nansak Shagaya as Corps Commander Supply and Transport. Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed has been appointed Acting Corps Commander Education.

The COAS also approved the appointment of Major General Oluyemi Olatoye as Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna; Major General Emmanuel Mustapha as Commandant, Nigerian Army Signal School; Major General Adamu Hassan as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Artillery; and Brigadier General John Bulus as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.

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, Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA.

Furthermore, Major General Olatokumbo Bello has been appointed Director, Defence Media Operations, while Brigadier General Samaila Uba becomes Director, Defence Information, at Defence Headquarters.

Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed senior officers to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and dedication in their new roles. He urged them to leverage their wealth of experience to sustain operational momentum, deepen interagency collaboration, and uphold the Nigerian Army’s core values of loyalty, selfless service, and excellence.