…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has given his approval for the appointment of Major General A.B Ibrahim as the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP).
This decision marks a significant step in shaping the leadership structure of the Nigerian Army.
New General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and Commandant for NDA
In addition to the COPP appointment, Major General Lagbaja has also announced the appointment of new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for certain divisions of the Nigerian Army, as well as a Commandant for the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
Among those appointed are Major General Alabi as GOC, 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna; Major General E.A Abubakar as GOC, 3 Division Nigerian Army, Jos; Major General Mala as GOC, 7 Division; Major General Chibuisi as Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai; Major General I.
Ali as Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Other Key Appointments
The list of appointments made by Major General Lagbaja also includes Brigadier General Garba as the new Provost Marshall, Army; Brigadier General Ugiagbe as Chief of Military Intelligence; Major General OCHAI as Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA); Major General Maina as Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria; Major General Aligbe as Commander of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Minna; Major General Oluyede as Commander of the Infantry Corps, and other significant positions.
Filling the Vacancies and Retirement of Officers
These appointments were deemed necessary to fill the leadership gap created by the retirement of some officers.
The retirement came as a result of the recent appointment of new service chiefs by President Bola Tinubu on June 19.
The swift action taken by Major General Lagbaja reflects the commitment to maintaining a strong and effective Nigerian Army leadership structure.
Conclusion:
Major General Lagbaja’s recent appointments in the Nigerian Army, including the appointment of Major General A.B Ibrahim as COPP and the assignment of new GOCs and commandants, signify a proactive approach to strengthening the army’s leadership.
These strategic decisions aim to ensure continuity, efficiency, and effectiveness within the Nigerian Army while addressing the vacancies left by retiring officers.