Nigeria TV Info 

New Chief of Army Staff Reshuffles Senior Officers for Greater Operational Efficiency

The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major reshuffle involving senior officers of the Nigerian Army. According to a statement released on Thursday by Army spokesperson, Major General Appolonia Aneke, the redeployment is part of efforts to strengthen leadership, enhance command structures, and improve the army’s overall operational performance.

General Shaibu, who was recently decorated with his new rank by President Bola Tinubu following his confirmation by the National Assembly, stated that the changes are necessary to reposition the force for maximum efficiency in addressing emerging security challenges.

Among those affected by the new postings is Major General Bamidele Alabi, who now serves as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) at the Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans. Major General Jamal Abdulsalam has been reassigned to the Defence Headquarters Department of Operations as Chief of Defence Operations, while Major General Peter Mala moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser to head the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as Commander.

Similarly, Major General Samson Jiya moves from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) to the Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget. Major General Mayirenso Saraso becomes the Chief of Operations (Army), and Major General Isa Abdullahi assumes the role of Chief of Administration (Army).

Other key appointments include Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Abubakar Haruna as Commander of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) in Kontagora, and Major General Philip Ilodibia as Chief of Defence Space Administration.

In addition, Major General Godwin Mutkut takes over as Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar becomes Commander of the Nigerian Army Armour Corps, Major General John Adeyemo assumes command of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi becomes Corps Commander Signals.

Further redeployments 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 Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, while Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed has been named Acting Corps Commander Education.

Major General Oluyemi Olatoye will now serve as Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. Other Commandant appointments include Major General Emmanuel Mustapha at the Nigerian Army Signal School, Major General Adamu Hassan at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, and Brigadier General John Bulus at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.

Field command appointments include Major General Saidu Audu as Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena, Major General Warrah Idris as Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West, and Major General Oluremi Fadairo as General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander of Operation UDO KA in the South East.

General Shaibu also appointed Major General Olatokumbo Bello as Director of Defence Media Operations, and Brigadier General Samaila Uba as Director of Defence Information.

In his message to the redeployed officers, the COAS urged them to leverage their experience and professionalism to strengthen the army’s operational readiness. He emphasised the need for discipline, collaboration with other security agencies, and adherence to the army’s core values of loyalty, service, and excellence in tackling the nation’s security challenges.