The Nigerian Army has appointed General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for four newly created divisions and approved the redeployment of several brigadier generals as part of a major restructuring aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.
Gatekeepers News reports that the appointments followed President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to boost operational capacity in tackling insecurity.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, Major General AA Fadayiro was appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 5 Division in Makurdi, Major General GU Chibuisi will head the 9 Division in Ilorin, Major General OO Diya will command the 10 Division in Jalingo, while Major General AS Ndalolo was named GOC of the newly established 83 Division in Benin City.
The Army also approved the redeployment of a number of brigadier generals to key command positions across formations and operational units as part of efforts to improve efficiency, enhance leadership and strengthen its response to emerging security challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the postings were designed to reinforce operational effectiveness and ensure the successful take-off of the new divisions. He urged the affected officers to demonstrate professionalism, commitment and exemplary leadership in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The creation of the four additional divisions is expected to decentralise military operations, improve response times to security threats and enhance the Army’s presence in strategic parts of the country as Nigeria continues efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
