By Alexis Uchendu
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has announced a major leadership restructuring in the Nigerian Army, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), Corps Commanders, and a Force Commander for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The reorganization aims to strengthen operational efficiency and address evolving security challenges nationwide.
Notable appointments include Maj. Gen. O.T. Olatoye, who moves from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry to Headquarters 82 Division as GOC and Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) South East, Operation Udoka.
Maj. Gen. E.F. Oyinlola transitions from the Department of Military Secretary to Headquarters 3 Division as GOC and Commander of Operation Safe Haven.
Additionally, Maj. Gen. A.G.L. Haruna and Maj. Gen. I.A. Ajose have been appointed as GOCs for the 7th and 8th Divisions, overseeing operations in the North East and North West, respectively.
In a key development, Maj. Gen. G.M. Mutkut has been named Force Commander of the MNJTF in N’Djamena, Chad, a role critical to multinational counterinsurgency efforts in the Lake Chad Basin.
Other high-profile postings include Maj. Gen. L.A. Fejokwu as Chief of Administration, Maj. Gen. G.U. Chibuisi as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, and Maj. Gen. A.S. Ndalolo as Chief of Training. Maj. Gen. O.S. Abai will oversee transformation and innovation, while Maj. Gen. E.I. Okoro assumes the role of Military Secretary.
New Corps Commanders were also appointed, with Maj. Gen. O.C. Ajunwa leading the Nigerian Army Armour Corps and Maj. Gen. Z.L. Abubakar heading the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery.
Additionally, key institutions such as the Nigerian Army Training Centre and the Army War College Nigeria have welcomed new Commandants.
According to a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the reshuffle reflects the Army’s commitment to strengthening its leadership in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede urged the newly appointed officers to prioritize troop welfare and operational success.
He emphasized that the restructuring underscores the Army’s resolve to build a dynamic and effective leadership structure capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
The changes are expected to inject fresh momentum into military operations and reinforce the Army’s role in ensuring national stability.