Nigerian Army Shakes Leadership: Over 2,200 Officers Redeployed Nationwide

According to reports, the Nigerian Army has initiated a major reshuffle affecting more than 2,200 officers nationwide. The redeployments and new appointments were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and cover formations and units across the country.

The exercise, communicated through a restricted signal issued by the Military Secretary, Major General E. I. Okoro, on December 31, 2025, initially listed a larger group of officers. Subsequent amendments removed 98 names, bringing the total number of personnel affected to 2,215.

The reshuffle includes the movement of 37 Major Generals, several of whom have been assigned to key leadership roles. Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, formerly GOC of the 81 Division, has been posted to the Army Headquarters as Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans, while Major General Ibikunle Ajose, previously GOC of the 8 Division in Sokoto, is now Deputy Chief of Operations at the Army Headquarters.

Other significant appointments include Major General B. P. Koughna, who has been assigned as GOC of the 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2, Joint Task Force in the North-West, and Major General A. A. Babalola, moved from Defence Headquarters to lead the 81 Division in Lagos.

The redeployment also impacts 187 Brigadier Generals, 189 Colonels, 235 Lieutenant Colonels, 856 Majors, 384 Captains, 318 Lieutenants, and three Second Lieutenants. Officers are required to report to their new postings on the dates specified, with disciplinary measures applicable for non-compliance.

A senior officer at Army Headquarters confirmed that the reshuffle is part of routine measures aimed at strengthening operational capabilities. An official statement from the Army’s Public Relations office is yet to be issued.