Major shake-up in Nigerian Army as COAS approves fresh reshuffle, posts over 2,200 Officers

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major reshuffle within the Nigerian Army, involving the posting and redeployment of over 2,000 officers across formations and units nationwide.

The development was contained in a restricted signal dated December 31, 2025, and signed by the Military Secretary (Army), Major General E. I. Okoro, according to an exclusive report by the Nigerian Tribune.

The signal initially approved the posting and appointment of 2,313 officers but subsequent amendments and deletions affecting 98 officers reduced the final figure to 2,215 personnel of various ranks.

The reshuffle, which takes immediate effect, includes the redeployment of 37 Major Generals, with significant changes at the level of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) in key army divisions.

Among the notable postings, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa has been moved from his position as General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, to the Army Headquarters, where he will serve as Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans at the Department of Army Policy and Plans (DAPP).

Similarly, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, formerly the GOC of 8 Division in Sokoto, has been redeployed to the Army Headquarters as Deputy Chief of Operations (Army).

The signal also announced new GOCs for the affected divisions. Major General B. P. Koughna has been appointed GOC of 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force, North-West, while Major General A. A. Babalola has been redeployed from the Defence Headquarters, DAPP, to assume duty as GOC, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos.

Beyond the senior command level, the postings affected a wide range of officers, including 187 Brigadier Generals and 189 Colonels. Others impacted are 235 Lieutenant Colonels, 856 Majors, 384 Captains, 318 Lieutenants, and three Second Lieutenants.

The signal directed all affected officers to report to their new postings on the dates specified against their names, warning that failure to comply would attract appropriate sanctions.

As of the time of filing this report, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, had yet to issue an official statement on the exercise.

However, a senior officer at the Army Headquarters confirmed the development, describing it as a routine posting aimed at strengthening command efficiency and enhancing operational performance within the Nigerian Army.

Very Nigerian.

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