By Olaitan Ibrahim
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has sanctioned the redeployment and reassignment of top-ranking officers in the Nigerian Army to enhance operational efficiency and leadership dynamics.
According to a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the restructuring affects key officers, including Corps Commanders, Principal Officers, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Brigade Commanders, Commandants of Army Training Institutions, and other critical positions.
Nwachukwu emphasized that the redeployment reflects the Army’s commitment to strengthening its leadership framework, ensuring a responsive approach to emerging security challenges.
Among the notable appointments, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu has been moved from the National Defence College to the Department of Army Administration as Chief of Administration (Army).
Similarly, Maj.-Gen. GU Chibuisi transitions from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) to the Department of Civil Military Affairs as Chief of Civil Military Affairs.
Other changes include Maj.-Gen. AS Ndalolo’s move from NARC to the Department of Army Training as Chief of Training (Army), while Maj.-Gen.
Olusegun Abai shifts from Army Training to Army Transformation and Innovation, where he will now serve as Chief of Transformation and Innovation.
Significant postings also include Maj.-Gen. JH Abdussalam, now appointed Chief of Special Services and Programmes, and Maj.-Gen. EI Okoro, redeployed as Military Secretary (Army) from the Department of Army Logistics.
Additionally, senior officers were appointed to leadership roles as General Officers Commanding (GOCs), including Maj.-Gen. OT Olatoye, who now oversees 82 Division/Joint Task Force (JTF) South East Operation UDO KA, and Maj.-Gen. EF Oyinlola, who takes command at Headquarters 3 Division as GOC 3 Division/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN.
The acting appointments of Maj.-Gen. AGL Haruna as GOC 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 JTF North East Operation HADIN KAI and Maj.-Gen. IA Ajose as GOC 8 Division/Commander Sector 2 JTF North West Operation FANSAN YANMA have been confirmed, among other key positions.
Further redeployments include Maj.-Gen. GO Adeshina, now Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, and Maj.-Gen. GM Mutkut, appointed Force Commander at the Headquarters of the Multi-National Joint Task Force in N’Djamena.
Other prominent shifts involve Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, now Director of Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, and Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, who will take charge at Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede has directed the newly appointed officers to approach their assignments with renewed dedication, focusing on sustaining the military’s fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats while ensuring the welfare of the troops remains a top priority.