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Army names new GOCs, Commanders in major shake-up

Published

2 hours ago

June 28, 2026

The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, appointing new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), commanders, and principal staff officers as part of efforts to strengthen and enhance national security.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the reshuffle is part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country.

In the new postings, Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.

The statement also announced the appointment of Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.

Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu was named Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade, as part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership and combat readiness.

Major General O Adegbe was also appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

Similarly, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic redeployment of senior officers, saying the move was aimed at enhancing the Army’s capacity to address emerging security challenges.

Major General WM Dangana has been named the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.

In the area of military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo became Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.

Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.

The statement noted that the appointment “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.”

The reshuffle further saw Major General KO Ukandu appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was named Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

Other appointments include Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport and Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC).

The statement added, “The COAS charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security across the nation.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.”

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News

Lagos launches toll-free hotline for traffic incident reporting

Published

9 minutes ago

June 28, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has launched a new toll-free 3367 short-code hotline to enable residents report traffic-related emergencies and improve emergency response across the state.

The initiative, unveiled by the agency, is aimed at strengthening traffic management, promoting accountability and encouraging greater public participation in road transportation administration in Lagos.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the new platform replaces the agency’s former long-service code with a more accessible, technology-driven and user-friendly communication system.

It noted that motorists and other road users can use the hotline to report vehicular breakdowns, road crashes, disabled articulated vehicles, stranded tankers, traffic obstructions and other emergencies requiring immediate attention.

The agency added that the platform would also provide members of the public with a channel to report the conduct, professionalism and operational activities of LASTMA officials, a move aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and service delivery.

According to the statement, callers can communicate with hotline operators in English, Yoruba or Pidgin English to ensure effective communication and encourage wider public participation regardless of language.

Speaking on the initiative, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the launch of the hotline as another major step in the agency’s commitment to protecting lives, improving traffic flow and delivering a more responsive, technology-driven and citizen-focused traffic management system.

He said the introduction of the platform reflects LASTMA’s determination to deploy innovative digital solutions to address transportation challenges while strengthening collaboration with road users.

“The inauguration of the Toll-Free Short-Code Hotline represents another monumental stride towards institutionalising a safer, more efficient and highly responsive transportation ecosystem across Lagos State. It provides residents with a direct, convenient and cost-free channel through which incidents requiring immediate intervention can be promptly reported,” Bakare-Oki stated.

The General Manager also noted that the size and rapid growth of Lagos as one of Africa’s leading megacities require a proactive and technology-driven traffic management system capable of responding quickly to emerging transportation challenges.

He assured residents that every report received through the platform would be treated with professionalism, confidentiality and diligence before being forwarded to the appropriate operational units for immediate action.

Bakare-Oki urged members of the public to make full use of the new hotline, describing it as an important tool for improving road safety, promoting accountability and supporting the collective goal of building a safer, more efficient and sustainable transportation system across Lagos State.

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Post Views: 29

News

‘You can’t be a police officer and thief, choose one’ – FCT CP warns operatives

Published

17 minutes ago

June 28, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Commissioner in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, has warned police officers against extortion in the discharge of their duties.

Sanusi, who recently took over the reins of the FCT command, issued this warning on Saturday during a strategic briefing on the ongoing security and traffic enforcement operations in Abuja.

The new FCT police boss warned officers that the command will no longer shield uniform-wearing extortionists targeting commercial tricycle (Keke) riders and motorists across Abuja

According to him, public complaints regarding police extortion have reached a tipping point, stating that his administration is prepared to flush out bad eggs.

“We don’t want to hear any reports of extorting Keke riders or motorists in Abuja. If we hear it, you are a thief.

“You cannot be both a police officer and a thief. You have to choose one,” he said.

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Post Views: 15

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‘I’m disappointed’ – Delta Gov’s aide reacts to backlash on Remi Tinubu’s Akara advice

Published

23 minutes ago

June 28, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Ossai Ovie Success, media aide to the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed disappointment over the backlash that greeted the viral small scale business advice by the Nigerian First Lady, Remi Tinubu.

It was recalls that President Bola Tinubu’s wife was recently captured in a viral video advising unemployed women on setting up a small scale business like selling bean cake popularly known as Akara and roasted corns.

The advice did not sit well with many Nigerians, who lamented that those responsible for job creation are now advising unemployed people to fry Akara.

According to them, Remi Tinubu’s advice signals lack of hope in tackling the growing unemployment rate in the country.

Reacting to the backlash, Ovie in a post on his official Facebook page on Sunday, said he was disappointed, stating that Akara business is more lucrative than even a bank job.

He wrote, “Akata business is better than Bank Job Sometimes. If you fry akara in a good location, after all cost, you make N20/akara and you sell 500 pieces per day.

“That is N10k/day, N60k/6 day week and N240k/month. Better than a bank job. Some even make more than a million Naira a month .

“How much again is bank job .? Ask yourself. Before i forget , know that Akara business is not 6 to 6 job oooo, it’s 3 hours daily .

“I am disappointed in those looking down on Akara business”.

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Post Views: 22