Army Chief Approves Major Redeployment of Senior Officers

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…the reshuffle reflects the Army leadership’s commitment to repositioning the force for greater efficiency in ongoing operations.

NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Nigerian Army has announced a sweeping redeployment and appointment of senior officers across critical command, instructional, and staff positions, in what is being described as a strategic move to strengthen leadership and enhance operational effectiveness nationwide.

The shake-up, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the reshuffle reflects the Army leadership’s commitment to repositioning the force for greater efficiency in ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other security threats confronting the country.

Among those affected are senior officers who have been appointed as Principal Staff Officers at the Army Headquarters. They include:

• Major General AA Adeyinka, formerly with the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, now appointed Chief of Logistics at the Department of Army Logistics.

• Major General AA Adekeye, redeployed from the Department of Standard and Evaluation to the Department of Personnel Management as Chief of Personnel Management.

• Major General TB Ugiagbe, moved from the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps to the Department of Standard and Evaluation, where he now serves as Chief of Standard and Evaluation.

Other key appointments at the Headquarters include:

• Major General AA Idris as Chief of Military Intelligence,

• Major General MO Erebulu as Provost Marshal,

• Major General EA Anaryu as Corps Commander, Supply and Transport,

• Major General SA Akesode as Head of the African Union Verification Mission in Tigray, Ethiopia, and

• Major General JE Osifo as Director General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.

The redeployment also affected the leadership of divisions across the country.

• Major General ASM Wase has been appointed as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division/Joint Task Force Northwest.

• Major General CR Nnebeife takes over as GOC 2 Division/Sector 3 Joint Task Force.

These postings are particularly significant given the crucial roles divisions play in coordinating frontline operations in the fight against insurgency and other violent crimes.

Several Commandants of Army training institutions and Brigade Commanders were also affected by the redeployment exercise. This, according to the Army spokesperson, is aimed at reinvigorating professional training, enhancing discipline, and ensuring that officers and men of the Nigerian Army are better prepared for modern security challenges.

By realigning both operational and instructional commands, the Army leadership hopes to foster a seamless blend of combat readiness, tactical knowledge, and administrative efficiency across its formations.

While charging the newly appointed senior officers, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede urged them to redouble their efforts, maintain unwavering commitment, and demonstrate exemplary leadership as they assume their new responsibilities.

He emphasized that the Nigerian Army is at a critical juncture in its ongoing campaigns against terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, secessionist threats in the South-East, and other emerging security concerns across the country.

“The task ahead requires dedication, courage, and loyalty to the mission of securing our country. These appointments are not only about new roles but also about renewed responsibility to deliver on the mandate of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring peace and stability,” the COAS was quoted as saying.

He added that they would continue to prioritize professionalism, merit, and discipline in its leadership appointments while also exploring international opportunities, as seen in the posting of senior officers to foreign missions such as the African Union’s operations in Tigray.

Security analysts have welcomed the redeployment as timely, stressing that leadership renewal within the force often serves as a morale booster for troops and signals fresh strategies in tackling Nigeria’s persistent insecurity.

Observers also note that the inclusion of logistics, intelligence, and personnel management in the reshuffle highlights the Army’s intention to balance field operations with administrative efficiency.

The redeployment exercise takes immediate effect, and the newly appointed officers are expected to assume duties at their various formations without delay.

For many Nigerians, the development is seen as part of broader efforts by the military leadership to restore public confidence in security institutions, particularly at a time when citizens are yearning for lasting peace across the country.