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Home » Politics » Major Shake-Up in Nigerian Army as New GOCs, PSOs, and MNJTF Commander Appointed

Major Shake-Up in Nigerian Army as New GOCs, PSOs, and MNJTF Commander Appointed

Last Updated on 12 January 2025 by Naijadazz

Abuja – In a significant move aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and administrative efficiency, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has announced a major reshuffle within the Nigerian Army. The appointments include new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), Corps Commanders, and a new Commander for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

New General Officers Commanding (GOCs)

The newly appointed GOCs are:

  • Major General OT Olatoye: Transferred from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry to Headquarters 82 Division/Joint Task Force (JTF) South East Operation Udoka (OPUK) as GOC 82 Division/Commander JTF OPUK.
  • Major General EF Oyinlola: Redeployed from the Department of Military Secretary to Headquarters 3 Division as GOC 3 Division/Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

Additionally, the acting appointments of the following GOCs have been confirmed:

  • Major General AGL Haruna: Confirmed as GOC 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 JTF North East Operation Hadin Kai.
  • Major General IA Ajose: Confirmed as GOC 8 Division/Commander Sector 2 JTF North West Operation Fasan Yanma.

New Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Commander

  • Major General GM Mutkut: Posted from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre to Headquarters Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Njamena as the Force Commander.

Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) Appointments

Several senior officers have been appointed as PSOs at the Army Headquarters:

  • Major General LA Fejokwu: Transferred from the National Defence College to the Department of Army Administration as Chief of Administration (Army).
  • Major General GU Chibuisi: Moved from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to the Department of Civil Military Affairs as Chief of Civil Military Affairs.
  • Major General AS Ndalolo: Redeployed from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to the Department of Army Training as Chief of Training (Army).
  • Major General OS Abai: Transferred from the Department of Army Training to the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation as Chief of Transformation and Innovation.
  • Major General JH Abdussalam: Redeployed from Headquarters 6 Division to the Department of Special Services and Programmes as Chief of Special Services and Programmes.

Other Key Appointments

  • Major General EI Okoro: Redeployed from the Department of Army Logistics to the Department of Military Secretary as Military Secretary (Army).
  • Major General MC Kangye: Transferred from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery to Defence Headquarters as Director of Media Operations.

New Corps Commanders

The following senior officers have been appointed as Corps Commanders:

  • Major General OC Ajunwa: Transferred from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre to Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps as Commander.
  • Major General HT Wesley: Redeployed from the Department of Special Services and Programmes to Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps as Commander.
  • Major General TT Numbere: Transferred from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre to Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers as Commander.
  • Major General NC Ugbo: Redeployed from the Department of Civil Military Affairs to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals as Commander.
  • Major General ZL Abubakar: Transferred from the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery as Commander.
  • Major General AP Oguntola: Redeployed from the Nigerian Army College of Education Science and Technology to Headquarters Nigerian Army Education Corps as Corps Commander.

Commandant Appointments

Other senior officers affected by the redeployment include:

  • Major General JO Sokoya: Appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army Training Centre.
  • Major General UM Alkali: Appointed Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria.
  • Major General FS Etim: Redeployed from the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation to the Nigerian Army School of Infantry as Commandant.
  • Major General AB Mohammed: Transferred from the Department of Army Operations to Depot Nigerian Army as Commandant.
  • Major General IE Ekpenyong: Appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering.
  • Major General AO Adegbite: Appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport.
  • Brigadier General AM Umar: Redeployed from the Army War College Nigeria to the Warrant Officers Academy as Commandant.

Statement from the Army Headquarters

In a statement, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, emphasized that the Chief of Army Staff has directed all newly appointed senior officers to bring renewed vigour, dedication, and commitment to their duties. He urged them to sustain the ongoing efforts against terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to national security while prioritizing the welfare of troops.

Perspective: A Strategic Move for a Changing Security Landscape

This reshuffle comes at a critical time for Nigeria, as the nation continues to grapple with multifaceted security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes. The appointment of seasoned officers to key operational and administrative roles reflects a deliberate effort to inject fresh energy and expertise into the Army’s leadership structure.

Notably, the focus on transformation and innovation—evidenced by the creation of roles like Chief of Transformation and Innovation—signals a shift toward modernizing the Nigerian Army. This is crucial in an era where asymmetric warfare and technological advancements are redefining the battlefield.

Moreover, the emphasis on troop welfare underscores the Army’s recognition that a motivated and well-cared-for force is essential for sustained operational success. By prioritizing both strategic leadership and the well-being of its personnel, the Nigerian Army is positioning itself to tackle current and future security threats more effectively.

The appointment of Major General GM Mutkut as the new MNJTF Commander also highlights Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional security. As the largest contributor to the MNJTF, Nigeria’s leadership in this multinational effort is vital for stabilizing the Lake Chad Basin and curbing the spread of insurgency across borders.

In conclusion, this reshuffle is not just a routine administrative exercise but a strategic recalibration aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to safeguard the nation. With these new leaders at the helm, there is renewed hope for a more secure and stable Nigeria.