MAJOR SHAKE-UP IN NIGERIAN ARMY: COAS REDEPLOYS TOP GENERALS, RESTRUCTURES COMMAND FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY

In a sweeping move designed to bolster command efficiency and reinvigorate operational effectiveness, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a massive shake-up within the Nigerian Army, involving the redeployment and appointment of several senior officers to key command, staff, and instructional positions across formations, units, and training institutions nationwide.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, the latest postings are part of ongoing efforts to reposition the Army for optimal performance in the face of evolving security challenges. The shake-up, she noted, reflects the COAS’s commitment to injecting fresh energy, strengthening leadership structures, and ensuring a disciplined, combat-ready force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Among the newly redeployed officers, Major General Bamidele Alabi now heads 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, proceeds 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 assume duty as Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.

In another key movement, Major General Samson Jiya, previously of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), is now the Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget at the Defence Headquarters.

Other strategic 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. Similarly, Major General Abubakar Haruna has been appointed Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, while Major General Philip Ilodibia assumes office as Chief of Defence Space Administration.

The reshuffle also saw Major General Godwin Mutkut move from the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), N’Djamena, to become Corps Commander Infantry, and Major General Umar Abubakar redeployed from the Ministry of Defence to command the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
Additionally, Major General John Adeyemo now commands the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, while Major General Mohammed Abdullahi takes over as Corps Commander Signals.

In the logistics and support arm, Major General Taofik Sidick assumes office as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army); Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim becomes Corps Commander Ordnance, Major General Adeyinka Adereti is Corps Commander Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and Major General Nansak Shagaya now leads the Corps of Supply and Transport. Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed has been named Acting Corps Commander Education.

At the training institutions, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye has been appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, while Major General Emmanuel Mustapha takes charge of the Nigerian Army Signal School. Similarly, Major General Adamu Hassan assumes command of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, and Brigadier General John Bulus now leads the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.

Field command postings also featured prominently in the shake-up. Major General Saidu Audu becomes the Force Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), N’Djamena, Major General Warrah Idris assumes command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (North West Joint Task Force), while Major General Oluremi Fadairo takes over as General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, and Commander, Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA.

Further appointments include Major General Olatokumbo Bello as Director, Defence Media Operations, and Brigadier General Samaila Uba as Director, Defence Information.

Addressing the newly appointed officers, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged them to demonstrate exceptional leadership, operational dexterity, and strategic foresight in their new roles. He urged them to sustain the current momentum in counterinsurgency and internal security operations, deepen interagency cooperation, and uphold the Nigerian Army’s core values of loyalty, selfless service, integrity, and excellence.

> “This restructuring is not merely about movement of personnel—it is about reinvigorating our institution, aligning leadership with mission demands, and ensuring the Nigerian Army remains a formidable force, capable of confronting any threat to our national security,” the COAS emphasized.

With this major reshuffle, analysts say the Nigerian Army is gearing up for a new phase of operational efficiency, internal cohesion, and strategic responsiveness to Nigeria’s diverse security landscape.