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Nigerian Army Chief Shakes Up Top Command in Sweeping Leadership Reshuffle
By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde
In a decisive bid to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness and command structure, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has announced a wide-ranging reshuffle of senior officers across key command, staff, and training positions.
The appointments, approved earlier this week, affect several major generals and brigadier generals, marking one of the most comprehensive reassignments in recent years. The changes, according to Army Headquarters, are aimed at “reinvigorating leadership, enhancing strategic focus, and positioning the Nigerian Army for greater operational efficiency.”
Among the newly appointed officers, Major General Bamidele Alabi has been named Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), while Major General Jamal Abdulsalam moves to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Operations. Major General Peter Mala takes over as Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Major General Samson Jiya assumes duty as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.
Other key movements include Major General Mayirenso Saraso, now Chief of Operations (Army); Major General Isa Abdullahi, appointed Chief of Administration (Army); and Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, who becomes Chief of Civil-Military Affairs. Major General Abubakar Haruna takes command of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) in Kontagora, while Major General Philip Ilodibia heads to the Defence Space Administration.
At the corps level, Major General Godwin Mutkut has been appointed Corps Commander Infantry, and Major General Umar Abubakar becomes Commander of the Nigerian Army Armour Corps. Major General John Adeyemo assumes command of the Artillery Corps, and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi takes over as Corps Commander Signals.
Further appointments 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 named Acting Corps Commander Education.
In the training and academic institutions, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. Major General Emmanuel Mustapha takes over the Nigerian Army Signal School, while Major General Adamu Hassan is appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery. Brigadier General John Bulus will now head the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.
Field commands also saw significant changes. Major General Saidu Audu was appointed Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena, Chad. Major General Warrah Idris now leads the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, while Major General Oluremi Fadairo becomes the General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA.
Additionally, Major General Olatokumbo Bello has been named Director of Defence Media Operations, and Brigadier General Samaila Uba takes over as Director of Defence Information at Defence Headquarters.
In a statement released through Army Public Relations, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to “bring to bear their wealth of experience, administrative acumen, and strategic foresight” in confronting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. He urged them to sustain operational momentum, deepen interagency collaboration, and uphold the Nigerian Army’s core values of loyalty, integrity, and selfless service.
“This reorganization is about strengthening our command structure and ensuring that the Nigerian Army remains combat-ready and responsive to national security imperatives,” the COAS said.
The appointments take immediate effect.
Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Director Army Public Relations, confirmed the postings in a statement on Wednesday.
