The Nigerian Army has announced significant postings and appointments of senior officers to key commands, staff, and instructional positions across various formations, units, and training institutions. Approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, this strategic realignment aims to reinvigorate leadership, strengthen command structures, and enhance the Nigerian Army's operational effectiveness in confronting contemporary security challenges. According to Army spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Appolonia Anele, the reshuffle includes several high-profile movements designed to optimize national security efforts.

Among the notable appointments, Major General Bamidele Alabi has been redeployed to Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as the new Chief of Policy and Plans (Army). Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, previously Chief of Special Services and Programmes at Army Headquarters, now heads to Defence Headquarters Department of Operations as Chief of Defence Operations. Major General Peter Mala transitions from the Office of the National Security Adviser to become the Commander of Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC). Additionally, Major General Samson Jiya moves from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Accounts and Budget as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.

Further strategic appointments include Major General Mayirenso Saraso as Chief of Operations (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi as Chief of Administration (Army), and Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs. Major General Abubakar Haruna takes command of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, while Major General Philip Ilodibia is appointed Chief of Defence Space Administration. Other critical roles filled are Major General Godwin Mutkut as Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar as Commander Armour Corps, Major General John Adeyemo as Corps Commander Artillery, and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi as Corps Commander Signals. Key financial and logistical appointments include Major General Taofik Sidick as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim as Corps Commander Ordnance, Major General Adeyinka Adereti as Corps Commander Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and Major General Nansak Shagaya as Corps Commander Supply and Transport, with Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed appointed Acting Corps Commander Education.

In the realm of training and leadership development, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye assumes the role of Commandant at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. Major General Emmanuel Mustapha is appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army Signal School, and Major General Adamu Hassan becomes Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery. Brigadier General John Bulus will serve as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts. Field command positions have also seen changes, with Major General Saidu Audu appointed Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena, Major General Warrah Idris as Commander of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and Major General Oluremi Fadairo as General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, and Commander Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA. Major General Olatokumbo Bello is now the Director Defence Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, and Brigadier General Samaila Uba is the Director Defence Information.

These appointments were made concurrently with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decoration of the new Service Chiefs with their new ranks, following their confirmation by the Senate on Thursday, October 29, and subsequent decoration on October 30. The newly decorated leadership includes General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal Kevin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

President Tinubu used the occasion to issue a stern charge to the Service Chiefs, demanding decisive action against emerging security threats across the country and emphasizing that Nigerians expect results, not excuses. He underscored that security is paramount for national development, stating, "There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet." Acknowledging the sacrifices of the armed forces in reclaiming territories from terrorists and diminishing their capacity, the President noted that challenges persist. He expressed grave concern over the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, instructing the chiefs to be innovative, pre-emptive, courageous, and to deploy technology where necessary to "smash the new snakes right in the head." The ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, was attended by key government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and numerous state governors and ministers.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, clarified that the change in service chiefs was a "routine change" driven by the President's concern about the effectiveness of existing security strategies. Tinubu gave them a "marching order" to ensure the crisis that began in 2009 does not resurface and that the insurgency ends, rejecting any future excuses for failure.

In his inaugural address, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the President for the trust placed in them and urged Nigerians to support the military in safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity and eradicating criminal activities. He pledged to deepen intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration among all security and defence agencies, recognizing that Nigeria’s evolving security threats—including terrorism, banditry, cybercrimes, and maritime challenges—require a vigilant, innovative, and united response. Oluyede highlighted that intelligence gathering and sharing, jointness, professionalism, and accountability would be central to his leadership, along with leveraging research, capacity-building, and technology. He also assured troops of his commitment to their welfare, advocating for improved housing, medical support, training, and the recognition of their sacrifices.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, echoed this resolve, promising decisive action to tackle insecurity and protect citizens from criminal threats, which he described as unacceptable. He committed to an immediate review of the security landscape and the deployment of fresh strategies, assuring the President and Nigerians of the Army’s unwavering dedication. Shaibu also vowed to build on his predecessor's achievements in equipment procurement and infrastructure, transforming the Army into a more agile and combat-ready force while deepening collaboration with other security agencies. He offered encouragement to troops and honored fallen soldiers, pledging continued support for their families.

Air Marshal Kevin Aneke, the new Chief of the Air Staff, formally assumed office with a pledge to swiftly improve national security. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his appointment and pledged unwavering loyalty to the President, the Federal Government, and the people of Nigeria, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. Aneke committed to sustaining and building on his predecessor’s achievements, particularly in ongoing operations against insurgency, and assured that personnel welfare would be a central priority, recognizing a motivated force as essential for operational efficiency.

Finally, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, vowed to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes that undermine Nigeria’s economy and national security. Acknowledging persistent threats in the maritime domain, his strategic priorities include strengthening maritime security operations, enhancing fleet capability through aggressive renewal and technology deployment, prioritizing personnel training and welfare, and deepening collaboration with other security agencies. Abbas pledged to lead with dedication, integrity, and loyalty, assuring naval personnel that their welfare would remain a top priority while reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s waters and supporting the blue economy.