COAS approves posting of 334 Generals, Colonels, other officers

• GOCs in charge of 1, 2, 3, 81 and 82 Divisions, DDI affected

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Tukur Buratai, has carried out a major reorganisation of the Army, with the posting, Wednesday, of 334 Major Generals, Brigadier Generals as well as other senior officers.

The shake-up, which is the first major decision Buratai has taken, according to a late night statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Colonel Sani Usman, affected 37 Major Generals, 57 Brigadier Generals, 128 Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and other officers.

The statement reads: “The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Yusufu Buratai today approved the postings and appointments of 334 officers of the Nigerian Army officers with various effective dates.

“These include some Principal Staff Officers at Defence and Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders and General Officers Commanding as well as other commanders.

“They include 37 Major Generals, 57 Brigadier Generals, 128 Colonels, several Lieutenants Colonels and others.

“Some of those affected were the General Officers Commanding 1, 2, 3, 81 and 82 Divisions, Operations Pulo Shield and Safe Haven of Niger Delta and Plateau States.

“Some of those affected include Major General MA Koleoso, who is now Commander TRADOC, Major General SN Muazu, who moves from 2 Division to the Headquarters Infantry Corps, and appointed Commander, Major General MT Ibrahim, from Department of Army Standard and Evaluation to Nigerian Defence Academy and appointed Commandant. Major General LKJ Ogunewe is now the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General FO Alli, is now Chief of Training and Operations and Major General AA Salihu, Chief of Logistics.

“Others include Major General AG Okunola, who now Commander of Operation PULO SHIELD (JTF) and Major General TC Ude, Commander, OPERATIONS SAFE HAVEN (STF Jos). Others are Major General LW Wiwa now Deputy Commandant of Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre. Major General A Oyebade is now the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General LC Ilo, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General H Umaru, General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General IH Edet, General Officer Commanding 81 Division and Brigadier General I Attahiru is now the Acting General Officer Commanding 82 Division.

“While Brigadier General AT Hamman is now the Acting Provost Marshal, Brigadier General LF Abdullahi, Acting Commander, Nigerian Army Education Corps and Colonel R Abubakar, Acting Director Defence Information, amongst others.”