Army Names GOCs For New Divisions In Command Reshuffle

The Nigerian Army has named senior officers to lead newly created divisions after President Bola Tinubu approved an expansion of the Army’s command structure.

The postings place Major General Yakubu Yahaya at 9 Division in Ilorin, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife at 10 Division in Jalingo, and Major General Moses Gara at 5 Division in Makurdi. The Army also named Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, currently GOC of 2 Division in Ibadan, to lead 83 Division in Benin City when it becomes operational later in the year.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, approved the appointments. The Army said the new formations would start work after reaching initial operational capacity, with further steps planned to bring them fully on stream.

The reshuffle also affects commands tied to ongoing security operations. Yahaya will also command Operation Savannah Shield, while Gara will serve as Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke. The Army says the wider structure is meant to improve command control and response in areas facing security pressure.

The new divisions are listed for Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City. Reports on the announcement said the Army expects the changes to widen its operational reach while senior officers move into the new commands.

Sources: Punch, Daily Post, Vanguard