The Nigerian Army has initiated a sweeping leadership restructuring, redeploying a total of 67 senior officers, including 56 Major Generals and 11 Brigadier Generals, across various formations and commands nationwide.
The shake-up, seen as a major move in leadership adjustments, was formalised in a memo dated October 30, and signed by the Military Secretary (Army), E.L. Okoro, a copy of which was obtained by TheCable.
The affected officers have been directed to promptly assume their new roles, with the effective date set for November 3, 2025.
The redeployment involves a Total of 67 Officers (56 Major Generals, 11 Brigadier Generals). The Effective Date for assumption of duty is November 3, 2025. For Retention, only four Major Generals, P.A.O. Okoye, Y. Yahaya, I. Otu, and S. Nuhu, were retained in their current locations but given new appointments.
The directive mandates strict compliance from all involved, warning of disciplinary measures for any failure to adhere to the timeline.
The memo strictly stated: “All formation and unit commanders whose officers are affected by this posting are to ensure full implementation of this directive. Officers must assume their new appointments on the effective dates indicated, and the receiving formations/units must notify the ADQ Department of the Military Secretariat of the date the officer assumed duty.”
It further emphasised the consequence of non-compliance: “Commanders who fail to release posted officers to assume duty on the stipulated date will face disciplinary action. Similarly, any officer who fails to report to his new post as directed will also be sanctioned.”
This extensive redeployment follows closely on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointment of new service chiefs just a week prior. The recent appointments saw Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede (elevated from his previous position) named the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke became the new Chief of Air Staff (CAS), and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas was appointed Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). Major General Waidi Shaibu was named to replace Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede in his former role.
The major personnel changes came weeks after the military authorities had to strongly deny widespread rumours of a potential coup plot.
The full list of the 71 affected senior officers involved in the restructuring (including those retained but given new roles) is as follows: T. Sidick, B.A. Alabi, O.T. Olatoye, O.G. Onubogu, J.H. Abdussalam, S.T. Shafaru, A.G. Ibrahim, P.P. Malla, W.B. Idris, S.S. Jiya, T.E. Gagariga, A.A. Aboaba, I.G. Lassa, J.O. Adeyemo, A.G.L. Haruna, G.M. Mukim, E.O. Agbebaku, M.T. Abdullahi, A.M. Garba, S.T. Audu, U.B. Abubakar, A. Garba, P.O. Hodibia, P.A.O. Okoye, A.E. Edet, W.B. Etuk, M.A. Etsu-Ndagi, A.A. Adereti, Y. Yahaya, V.U. Okoro, H.I. Mabeokwu, K.O. Osemwegie, R.I. Odi, S. Nicodemus, O.M. Bello, U.T. Opuene, M.L.D. Saraso, A.A. Ekubi, I.B. Maina, A.A. Idris, M.T. Usman, I.M. Abdullahi, A.O.D. Okoro, O.D. Williams, H. Yanel, E.S. Mustapha, J.O. Attah, A.A.W. Hassan, M. Adamu, O.A. Awolo, O.A. Fadairo, I. Otu, S.D. Makolo, J.R. Lar, N.D. Shagaya, V.D. Beryo, M.D. Danja, S. Nuhu, K.E. Chigbu, A.G. Mahmuda, J.D. Bulus, S.M. Uba, I.P. Bindul, A.M. Inuwa, Y.D. Ahmed, R.E. Hedima, K.N. Nwoko, S.Y. Yakasai, O.M. Oyekola, K. Rabiu, and A.O. Owolabi.
