In a major shake-up aimed at strengthening command structures and boosting operational efficiency, 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 formations, units, and training institutions of the Nigerian Army.
The announcement was made in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, who noted that the appointments reflect the COAS’s commitment to reinvigorating leadership and enhancing professionalism within the ranks.
Among the newly appointed officers, Major General Bamidele Alabi now serves as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), while Major General Jamal Abdulsalam moves to the Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Operations. Major General Peter Mala has been appointed Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Major General Samson Jiya becomes Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.
Other key appointments include Major General Mayirenso Saraso as Chief of Operations (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi as Chief of Administration (Army), and Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs. Major General Abubakar Haruna assumes command at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Kontagora, while Major General Philip Ilodibia takes charge as Chief of Defence Space Administration.
At the Corps level, Major General Godwin Mutkut has been appointed Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar as Commander Armour Corps, Major General John Adeyemo as Corps Commander Artillery, and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi as Corps Commander Signals.
In addition, Major General Taofik Sidick is now Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim becomes Corps Commander Ordnance, and Major General Adeyinka Adereti assumes command of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Major General Nansak Shagaya now leads the Corps of Supply and Transport, while Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed takes charge as Acting Corps Commander Education.
Further appointments saw Major General Oluyemi Olatoye named Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General Emmanuel Mustapha as Commandant, Nigerian Army Signal School, and Major General Adamu Hassan as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Artillery. Brigadier General John Bulus was also appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.
In the field, Major General Saidu Audu takes over as Force Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) N’Djamena; Major General Warrah Idris assumes command of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA; and Major General Oluremi Fadairo becomes General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA.
Major General Olatokumbo Bello was also appointed Director of Defence Media Operations, while Brigadier General Samaila Uba becomes Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed senior officers to bring their wealth of experience, professionalism, and foresight to bear in advancing a disciplined, motivated, and combat-ready Army. He further urged them to sustain the ongoing operational momentum, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and uphold the Army’s core values of loyalty, selfless service, integrity, and excellence.