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Tag: Service Chiefs

  • Coup or Cover-Up? Redeployment of Nigerian Army Senior Officers Raises Concerns

    Coup or Cover-Up? Redeployment of Nigerian Army Senior Officers Raises Concerns

    Barely a month after news of an alleged coup surfaced, the Nigerian military is experiencing massive and unprecedented major shakeups especially redeployment of senior army officers across formations and units.

    Over 40 senior army officers have been deployed and reassigned to new assignments under strict supervision, according to sources.

    Although the Defense Headquarters and Federal Government have dismissed the claim of a military coup, recent major shakeups in the military prove otherwise.

    BACKGROUND

    In early October 2025, a story about an alleged coup plot emerged on social media, and it sparked a lot of controversies.

    The alleged coup, which reportedly happened in late September, was set to be executed on October 1, 2025, during the Independence Day parade.

    The Defence Headquarters foiled the coup and arrested and detained 16 military officers involved, ranging from captain to brigadier general, in the plan to overthrow the government.

    The military on October 4, 2025, via a press statement, disclosed that some army officers have been arrested over promotion scandals, among others.

    President Bola Tinubu on October 24, 2025, appointed new service chiefs to replace the current ones.

    Despite denial from the military, some sources disclosed that the recent alleged coup in Nigeria involves 42 military officers who have been detained for plotting against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Out of the 42 military officers, 16 senior officers have been identified, including Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, who is suspected to be the leader of the coup plot and a member of the infantry corps.

    Colonel M.A. Ma’aji, who is assumed to be a key strategist for the coup plot and commanding officer of the 19th Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and other officers, such as four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, a lieutenant, a lieutenant commander, and a squadron leader from the Navy and Air Force.

    They were accused of planning to assassinate key government officials, including President Tinubu and the vice president.

    There are unverified claims that the Defense Intelligence Agency and Military Police are tracing communication chains and possible funding channels linked to the suspects.

    REDEPLOYMENT?

    60 major generals and 11 brigadier generals have been redeployed by the Nigerian Army.

    The military secretary, in a memo dated October 30 and reportedly signed by EL Okoro, disclosed that the affected senior officers are expected to resume their new primary assignments on November 3, 2025.

    According to the memo, just four of sixty major generals were asked to continue in their current positions, but with new appointments.

    The four officers are PAO Okoye, Y. Yahaya, I. Otu, and S. Nuhu.

    “It is the responsibility of all formations/unit commanders whose officers are affected by this posting to implement accordingly,” the memo reads.

    “Officers must take over on the effective dates indicated herein, while the receiving formation/unit must furnish ADQ Dept of MS with the date the officer was taken on strength.

    “Formations/unit commanders are to take immediate administrative action on any officer who fails to report on the effective date of posting and inform this department accordingly. Commanders who fail to release posted officers to report on the date stipulated will be appropriately sanctioned.

    REDEPLOYMENT: LIST OF SENIOR MILITARY OFFICERS AFFECTED

    T.T Sidick

    B.A Alabi

    O.T Olatoye

    O.G Onubogu

    J.H Abdussalam

    S.T Shafaru

    A.G Ibrahim

    P.P Malla

    W.B Idris

    S.S Jiya

    T.E Gagariga

    A.A Aboaba

    I.G Lassa

    J.O Adeyemo

    A.GL Haruna

    G.M Mukim

    E.O Agbebaku

    M.T Abdullahi

    A.M Garba

    S.T Audu

    U.B Abubakar

    A. Garba

    P.O Hodibia

    P.A.O Okoye

    A.E Edet

    W.B Etuk

    M.A Etsu-Ndagi

    A.A Adereti

    Y. Yahaya

    V.U Okoro

    H.I Mabeokwu

    K.O Osemwegie

    R.I Odi

    S. Nicodemus

    O.M Bello

    U.T Opuene

    M.L.D Saraso

    A.A Ekubi

    I.B Maina

    A.A Idris

    M.T Usman

    I.M Abdullahı

    A.O.D Okoro

    O.D Williams

    H. Yanel

    E.S Mustapha

    J.O Attah

    A.A.W Hassan

    M. Adamu

    O.A Awolo

    O.A Fadairo

    I. Otu

    S.D Makolo

    J.R Lar

    N.D Shagaya

    V.D Beryo

    M.D Danja

    S. Nuhu

    K.E Chigbu

    A.G Mahmuda

    J.D Bulus

     

    S.M Uba

    I.P Bindul

    A.M Inuwa

    Y.D Ahmed

    R.E Hedima

    K.N Nwoko

    S.Y Yakasai

    O.M Oyekola

    K. Rabiu

    A.O Owolabı

     

  • Major Military Shake-Up in Tinubu’s Regime Fuels Ongoing Coup Rumours

    Major Military Shake-Up in Tinubu’s Regime Fuels Ongoing Coup Rumours

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate removal and replacement of Nigeria’s top military commanders in what the Presidency described as a strategic effort to strengthen national security and boost operational coordination within the armed forces.

    According to the official statement released on Friday, 24 October 2025, by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, President Tinubu announced new appointments across the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General Waidi Shaibu becomes the new Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas assumes office as the new Chief of Naval Staff, replacing Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. The President retained Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence. All appointments take immediate effect.

    In a notable decision, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was retained despite growing public calls for his removal, a move analysts see as a signal of continuity in police leadership amid broader security changes.

    Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare said the shake-up was part of an ongoing plan to “reposition the military for greater efficiency, discipline, and tactical effectiveness” amid persistent security threats.

    “The President has approved the appointment of new Service Chiefs to ensure renewed energy, improved coordination, and better tactical response across all theatres of operation,” the statement said.

    President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs, including General Christopher Musa, for their service and leadership. He charged the newly appointed military heads to uphold professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces, emphasizing the need for synergy and dedication in safeguarding national integrity.

    The new appointments come as Nigeria faces multiple security challenges ranging from insurgency in the North-East to banditry and kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central regions, as well as secessionist tensions in the South-East.

    Government sources revealed that President Tinubu’s decision followed several intelligence briefings highlighting the need for fresh leadership and stronger cooperation among the armed forces.

    Coup Rumours and Arrests

    The reshuffle also follows reports that about 16 senior officers were recently detained for alleged acts of indiscipline. Although early media claims linked the arrests to an alleged coup plot, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) strongly denied this, insisting there was “no coup attempt” and that the investigations were purely internal disciplinary matters.

    Military authorities have since emphasized that the armed forces remain loyal to the government and committed to protecting Nigeria’s democracy.

    Security analysts say the President’s decision reflects a bid to reassert control and restore morale within the ranks after months of operational strain. Others believe the timing, coming just weeks after the reported arrests, is strategic, aimed at preventing internal divisions and reaffirming the chain of command.

  • Service Chiefs: Insecurity, Nigeria’s ‘most priotised’ problem lingers despite regular removal and appointment of new security bosses

    Service Chiefs: Insecurity, Nigeria’s ‘most priotised’ problem lingers despite regular removal and appointment of new security bosses

    The Chief of Defence is the highest ranked officer among five service chiefs in Nigeria. There are also chiefs of staff for the air force, navy, and army, as well as a chief of defense intelligence. The 1979 constitution of Nigeria established the Chief of Defense position for the first time and made it the head of all service chiefs.

    On Monday, June 19, President Bola Tinubu gave his approval for the immediate retirement from service of all Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, Advisers, and the Comptroller-General of Customs, as well as the appointment of their replacements.

    Although several observers challenged the decision because the current service chiefs were appointed in 2021, findings by WITHIN NIGERIA found that the removal per tenure is a tradition or regular practice for succeeding presidents to replace service chiefs.

    Maj-Gen C.G. Musa – Chief of Defence Staff

    A check by WITHIN NIGERIA also revealed that all five of the country’s presidents since the restoration of civil rule had, at one point, ousted the service chiefs and replaced them with their own picks. Service chiefs were fired by every president from Obasanjo to Yar’Adua to Jonathan to Buhari. Timing is the sole distinction. Bola Tinubu would become the first civilian president to fire and replace service chiefs within two weeks in office.

    Maj. Gen. T. A Lagbaja – Chief of Army Staff (COAS)

    From Obasanjo to Tinubu: Removal of Service Chiefs, a tradition

    Recall that on April 26, 2001, the Federal Government announced the retirement of the three service chiefs, Lt.-General Victor Malu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Vice Admiral Victor Ombu, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), and Air Marshal Ibrahim Alfa, Chief of Air Staff (CAS).

    Major-General A.O. Ogomu-dia, Rear Admiral Samuel Afola-yan, and Air Vice Marshal (AVM) J.D. Wuyep were named by the federal government through Chief Ufot Ekaette, who served as the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, as the new COAS, CNS, and CAS, respectively.

    Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla – Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)

    Olusegun Obasanjo dismissed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Alexander Ogomudia, and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Joseph Wuyep, from their positions on May 31, 2006, and authorized the appointment of Maj. Gen. Sarki Muktar (rtd), Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, and Air Marshal Paul Dike as their respective replacements.

    Similar to this, on August 21, 2008, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua replaced his chief of defense staff and appointed new commanders of the army, navy, and air force in his first significant military reorganization. Rear Admiral Isaiah Iko Ibrahim, who formerly oversaw Naval Training Command in Lagos, the country’s economic center, was named head of the navy, while Major-General Abdulrahman Dambazau assumed command of the army.

    AVM H.B Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff (CAS)

    Two Nigerian service chiefs were fired and replaced on October 4th, 2012 by Goodluck Jonathan. Ola Ibrahim, a Vice Admiral in the Navy and a former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed in place of Mr. Petinrin, an Air Chief Marshal, who was fired.

    Mohammed Umar, the former commander of the Nigerian Air Force, was also demoted. Alex Barde, an Air Vice Marshall, took over for Mr. Umar, an Air Marshall, while Azubuike Ihejirika, the Chief of Army Staff, was the sole individual to keep his prior role as Army chief.

    Kayode Egbetokun – Acting Inspector General of Police

    On January 16, 2014, Goodluck Jonathan replaced all of Nigeria’s service chiefs. Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim was succeeded as Chief of Defence Staff by Air Marshal Alex Badeh; Major-General Kenneth Tobiah. Rear Admiral Usman O. Jibrin replaced Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba as the head of the naval staff, while Jacob Minimah replaced Lt.-General Azubike O. Ihejirika as the head of the army staff. Air Vice Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu replaced Air Marshal Badeh as the head of the air staff.

    Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye – Chief of Defense Intelligence

    On July 13th, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari fired the military’s top brass and appointed General Abayomi Olonisakin as the new CDS, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai as the new CGS, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas as the new CNS, and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar as the new CAS.
    In addition, on January 26, 2021, Muhammadu Buhari fired all military leaders and replaced them with Rear Admiral A.Z. Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff, Major-General Lucky E.O. Irabor, Chief of Defense Staff, and Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff.

    From ‘competency’ to low output

    Following President Tinubu’s decision to replace service heads, a number of reasons have been advanced that focus more on religion and tribe than on the causes of the persistent underperformance of these capable officers who were chosen as service chiefs.

    The issue of randomly replacing service chiefs initially began as a political maneuver. Either by successors seeking to counteract the influence of their forebears or by the governing body changing service chiefs due to perceived betrayal.

    Before Boko Haram launched its first significant attack (Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device) in June 2011, a trail conducted by WITHIN NIGERIA showed that service chiefs had been replaced three times by ex-presidents Obasanjo and Yar’Adua since the start of civil government. The UN headquarters in Abuja was the target of a vehicle-bomb attack on August 26, 2011, which resulted in at least 23 fatalities and more than 80 injuries against a Western target.

    Among other things, these attacks worsened, which led President Goodluck Jonathan replacing the service chiefs on October 4th, 2012. Nigeria as a nation changed from routinely removing service chiefs to looking for and hiring trustworthy, qualified, and experienced officers with a track record to address her biggest concern, “insecurity.”

    The issue still exists 11 years after the search for qualified officers with stellar records to be selected as service chiefs. Nigerians, particularly women and children, have kept dying at the hands of terrorists and government adversaries. In Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, Boko-Haram used bombs to carry out several massacres.

    After losing the ability to conduct conventional attacks in 2016, the Boko Haram organization made some gains, but they continued to commit murder and kidnappings for ransom in public locations including markets, schools, and farms.

    The overall state of the nation has been in a very miserable situation as a result of terrorist attacks, banditry, widespread kidnapping, IPOB attacks, and pirate attacks. Large-scale security personnel losses.

    In three states in the region, 35,000 people died as a direct result of insurgency, according to a recent assessment from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), while an estimated 314,000 people perished “from indirect causes” in the entire North-east region.

    Nigeria has switched from removing people for political reasons or under duress to selecting competent people with experience. More than eight times have our service chiefs been fully dismissed, but the issue of “insecurity” still exists.

    Do these service chiefs lack skill? Despite the trillions of dollars devoted to the sector, are resources insufficient? Does corruption make the security architecture more vulnerable? Politicians may still be there in the field holding swords and impeding progress. Can it get any better?

    These ought to be everyone in Nigeria’s top priorities.

  • House of Reps commences screening of service chiefs

    House of Reps commences screening of service chiefs

    The screening exercise for the newly appointed service chiefs by House of Representatives has started on Wednesday, February 17.

    According to the lower chamber of the National Assembly, the nation must do everything possible to get the issue of security right in memories of all those who have died in the fight against insecurity.

    Chairman of Committee on Defence and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee screening the Service Chiefs, Hon. Babajimi Benson, said the House will give the service Chief all the required support to succeed in their assignments, if confirmed.

    It is the first time the House of Representatives is conducting the screening of Service Chief, which Benson said is in accordance with provisions of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 which required that the nominees be confirmed by the National Assembly.

    Those for screening include Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Lucky E.O Irabor; Chief of Army Staff Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru; Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Ishiaka Oladayo Amao.

  • Femi Adesina: Ex-service chiefs did very well and got rewarded as ambassadors

    Femi Adesina: Ex-service chiefs did very well and got rewarded as ambassadors

    Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina has stated that President Buhari recently nominated the immediate past service chiefs for ambassadorial positions as a reward for their outstanding performance in the fight against Boko Haram.

    Adesina in an article shared on his Facebook page said although the service chiefs did not totally win the war against the insurgents, they did their best and had their own victories.

    He opined that the service chiefs failed only in eyes of those who appreciate nothing, and don’t even know what success is.

    Shortly after they were relieved of their job, President Buhari nominated them as non-career ambassadors-designate and sent their names to the Senate for confirmation. PDP and some other Nigerians have kicked against this move and said the President was rewarding the ex-service chiefs for their incompetence as insecurity was alarmingly high during their tenure in office.

    Reacting to the criticism via his Facebook page, Adesina wrote:

    “Almost everything in our country is accompanied by some sort of furore. You do, you are damned. You don’t do, you are damned. No wonder President Muhammadu Buhari often says in private conversations, when some tumults occur on certain issues: ‘Head or tail, you never win with some Nigerians.’ And he then smiles, to show that he has learnt to live with it.

    That was what happened last week when the nomination of the immediate past Service Chiefs as non-career Ambassadors was announced. The ululation from certain quarters could almost pull down the sky. They claim the Service Chiefs failed. And these critics are people who will miss target if they attempt to fire catapult at an elephant. Poor marksmen!

    But in came Gen Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, and they gave the insurgents bloody noses. Drove them out of places they occupied, even went after them into their spiritual headquarters, Camp Zero, in Sambisa Forest, and took it from them.

    The Service Chiefs did not make a clinical end of insurgency, banditry, and other criminalities in the country. But not for lack of trying. They did their level best, made huge advances, but the times were very difficult. Did they fail as in FAIL? Only in the eyes of those who appreciate nothing, and don’t even know what success is.

    But President Buhari is not in that mould. He would not use people who did their level best, and dump them unceremoniously, so that they become objects of derision in the eyes of those who like to see people fall from elevated positions.

    President Buhari nominated the immediate past Service Chiefs as non-career Ambassadors. And I say, bravo, Mr President. That is why we believe in you. That is why we have followed you through thick and thin, and will continue to do so, whether in or out of government. You are always faithful to those who serve you faithfully. You watch their backs, care for them, and that is why we believe. Yes, let everyone else be faithless, let them mock, but we believe,” Adesina said.

    The former Service Chiefs did not end the insurgency, but not for lack of will. I remember when Buratai himself relocated to the front, in Northeast, and he said he would not return to Abuja till the war was over. Under his charge, the insurgents were killed in many hundreds. But they were like locusts. The more they killed them, the more they increased. Very uncanny. They were attacked from the land, the air, and from the waters (where possible). But hell had enlarged itself, and continued to spew them out. Quite preternatural.

    The President would have wanted those Service Chiefs to go home as heroes. So he gave them time. Longer than was usual. And having realised that they had fought the war with all that was in them, he decided on some kind of reward, show of appreciation. Admirable. A display of good heart. No matter who you are; a President, a billionaire, Archbishop, Imam, if you don’t have a good heart, forget it. You should be avoided. Like a plague.”

  • Yoruba youths hail nomination of former service chiefs as worthy ambassadors, call for speedy confirmation

    Yoruba youths hail nomination of former service chiefs as worthy ambassadors, call for speedy confirmation

    Yoruba youths hail nomination of former service chiefs as worthy ambassadors, call for speedy confirmation

    Some youths from the South-West region have welcomed President Muhammadu Buhari’s nomination of the immediate past service chiefs as non-career ambassadors-designate.

    Describing them as “worthy ambassadors”, the group under the aegis of Congress of Progressive Yoruba Youths (CPYY) called on the National Assembly to speedily confirm their nomination.

    The Yoruba youths made these known on Friday at a press conference in Lagos.

    In a statement signed by its leader, Comrade Kolawole Salau and titled: “Ex-Service Chiefs are truly Nigeria’s Ambassadors; a reward for excellence and meritorious service”, the group extolled the virtues of the recently retired military heads.

    Salau noted that the nomination is a befitting reward for decades of patriotism, dedication and commitment to their fatherland, especially in the last five years where they courageously led and conquered acts of terrorism, insurgency and insurrection in the country.

    According to the group, history will remember the quartet as the finest set of service chiefs who blighted the wildfires against peace and security at the country’s most trying moments.

    While applauding President Buhari, Salau said the development would serve as a salient tonic to bolster national service and productivity from all Nigerians holding leadership positions.

    He, however, assured that the newest ambassadorial designates would bring their wealth of experience to bear on influencing the global community in assisting Nigeria to address the scourge of terrorism permanently.

    Read the full statement below:

    Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media.

    May we once again, extend our good wishes to all of us for the New Year and the prayerful expectations of ceaseless goodies in our lives and that of our dear nation. We plead that all Nigerians should always bear this in mind as we enter another outstanding phase in the progressively historic match of Nigeria to the #NextLevel under the focused leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

    The Congress of Progressive Yoruba Youths’ (CPYY) leadership and its teeming members wish to celebrate and share the good tidings with all Nigerians. We were exceeding filled with ecstasy over the sudden news of the nomination of the erstwhile Service Chiefs as Nigeria’s non-career ambassadors -designate to serve the nation in another sensitive capacity.

    These recently retired from active Military service and the very exceptional senior Military officers favoured by their classic records are former Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Abayomi Olonisakin;  ex-Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and honcho of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf  Buratai and the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. Others whose hard work has also attracted reward with further service includes; the former Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, and the former Chief of Defence Intelligence, (CDI) Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman.

    It’s a thing of joy that Mr. President has already forwarded to the National Assembly, names of these dedicated and committed former Military Chiefs for confirmation. These ex-Service Chiefs have rendered decades of unfaltering, patriotic and dedicated service to their fatherland at the zenith of their career, especially in the last five years they superintended over counter-insurgency operations and courageously conquered acts of insurgencies and insurrections against the country.

    So, let us congratulate these worthy Ambassadors in advance in anticipation of a speedy confirmation of these ambassadorial nominees by the national parliament. Nigerians excitedly look forward to this moment with drums and songs as a reward truly befitting of these former Military Chiefs who have diligently and uncompromisingly served the country, first, as ambassadors of the trenches and now, as fit as fiddle to exemplify same at the diplomatic plane.

    Countlessly, we have sensed President Buhari’s conscious attempts to re-work and reposition Nigeria into a nation where every Nigerian who has the opportunity to serve the country in whatever capacity should be proud to discharge his duties committedly at all times, despite any difficulty.  That’s the operational philosophy and disposition of Mr. President as shadowed all through the years of his Presidency so far.

    Today, the same Presidential ideology has spontaneously replicated in the success story of the Nigerian immediate past Service Chiefs in their post-service life. This is justified or finds expression in their nomination as Nigeria’s non-career ambassador-designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  It gladdens the heart infinitely.

    The CPYY has taken the generous liberty to speak to a Nigerian audience which is not caged by bias, partisan, ethnoreligious or religious sentiments as prevalent in contemporary times in our country. We are wittingly talking to Nigerians who recognizes that national service supersedes personal interests and the worthy sons and daughters of this great nation who have dispensed this responsibility selflessly and committedly should earn our acknowledgement afterwards.

    And in the case of the ex-Service Chiefs, they discharged the very arduous or tedious national assignment, even at the risk of their lives with courage, vigour and determination.  They gave us impressive results where others failed. Therefore, they deserve appreciation and reward; but certainly not unjust vilification from the same compatriots they have spent their lives to serve. Only this can compel posterity to also emulate their commendable records in the service to our nation.

    We elect upon ourselves to voice out today because as consistent as some unreasonable hardliners attempted to dwarf, diminish, blur and even rubbish the tenures of the ex-Service Chiefs; it is also equally very difficult, if not impossible to annihilate their records in curbing the hitherto widespread acts of insurgencies and insurrections in the country.

    On the plaquing insecurities in Nigeria, history will remember these ex-Military Chiefs as one of the finest sets of Service Chiefs who blighted the wildfires against peace and security at the country’s most trying moments. They performed this duty determinedly and served us the best of positive results.

    Let’s recap that it has not escaped the eyes of CPYY that the ex-Service Chiefs wrecked the fires of rampaging Boko Haram/Islamic West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Abuja, Northern cities/ towns; extricated five out of the six states in the Northeast region previously under the unshakable and absolute control of insurgents.  Nigeria has reclaimed these states irreversibly to the painful realization of terrorists under the tenures of the ex-Service Chiefs.

    These ex-Military Chiefs significantly stopped bombs from frequently exploding in highbrow areas; female teenage suicide bombers were also harangued out of operations and Boko Haram has been confined to the remotest parts of Lake Chad Basin axis to the extent its leaders have kept lamenting publicly about losing the war. Insurgents previously aggressive infiltration of Southern Nigeria was also halted. Lt. Gen. Buratai (rtd) worked tirelessly in alliance with his colleagues to ensure Nigerian troops birthed peace and security in all troubled areas.

    How many of us even recount the tens of thousands of Nigerians held hostage by Boko Haram, but regained their freedom under the past Service Chiefs? Armed bandits were also caged and scores neutralized in fierce combats with troops; do we even remember the subjugation of the oil thieves, armed robbers, kidnappers, vandals or the bloody secessionists’ and another armed criminal/ terror gangs of Southern Nigeria who held the region captive? They have been humbled to their knees.

    This is not an attempt to flatter anybody or undermine anyone. But the ex-Military Chiefs made an inerasable difference in the counter-insurgency operations whilst they held sway. We make bold to say since 2009 when acts of insurgencies and insurrections became a national and global security challenge, the immediate past set of Service Chiefs really made Nigeria proud. Until we see, the works of the new and very equally promising Sheriffs who have taken over their responsibility, we dare say, their fond memories are still etched in our psyche.

    Therefore, the new Nigerian spirit where merit and hard work are rewarded by the country is reflected in the nomination of these former Military Chiefs. And we are excited at it; as we thank Mr. President wholeheartedly. It’s a salient tonic that would bolster national service and productivity from all Nigerians holding leadership positions and are insightful enough to see the future.

    Consequently, the CPYY calls on the Senate to expediently confirm the ambassadorial nominations without any waste of time as a mark of honour for the commitment, patriotism and loyalty which the ex-Service Chiefs had infused into their work for the unity and peace of Nigeria.

    We have no ounce of doubt that these Nigeria’s newest ambassadorial designates would also bring their wealth of experience to bear on influencing the global community in assisting Nigeria to address the scourge of terrorism permanently. We perceive these ex-Military Chiefs as immediately striking a filial alliance, which would persuasively extract the support of their foreign countries of accreditations to battle terrorism to its final fatal end.

    May God bless our country Nigeria; may He also bless every Nigerian and thank you.

  • Lai Mohammed: Nigerians calling for probe of service chiefs are unpatriotic

    Lai Mohammed: Nigerians calling for probe of service chiefs are unpatriotic

    Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s information minister has proscribed Nigerians calling for the probe of the immediate past service chiefs as unpatriotic.

    The information minister made this known while speaking on a Radio Nigeria programme, Politics Nationwide on Tuesday morning, February 2.

    Recall that President Buhari had recently appointed four new service chiefs and relieved his former Service chiefs, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (Chief of Defence Staff); Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Chief of Army Staff); Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff); and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff).

    Hours after the military officers were relieved of their jobs, the Peoples Democratic Party and some other prominent Nigerians have called for their probe.

    The minister for information, Lai while reacting to the calls during an interview on Radio, said;

    “To the best of my knowledge, our service chiefs obey the rules of engagement and where there are infractions, there are internal regulations and internal mechanisms to address them.

    Those who are calling for the ex-service chiefs to be invited to ICC are unpatriotic people.

    Those who talk about the structure, what do they know about the structure of the military? I don’t think any of us is competent to talk about the structure of the military”.

  • Obasanjo to Buhari: Wake up to responsibilities and tackle banditry

    Obasanjo to Buhari: Wake up to responsibilities and tackle banditry

    Nigeria’s former president, Olusegun Obasanjo has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to wake up to his responsibilities and tackle the rising cases of banditry in the country.

    This request was made by the former president when he featured in a virtual interview with Toyin Falola, a historian, on Sunday.

    Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said Buhari’s decision to replace the service chiefs is not cause for celebrations.

    He added that he would comment on their performance until after three or six months.

    He said he thought Buhari would do well in fighting corruption but that he did not know he had nepotistic tendencies.

    “I thought I knew President Buhari because he worked with me. But I used to ask people, is it that I have not read him well or read him adequately or is it that he has changed from the Buhari that I used to know? I am not subscribing to the people who say we have a new Buhari from Sudan and all that nonsense,” he said.

    “I know what I believed was his limitations and I have written about it –he wasn’t strong in economics, not all of us are strong in anything but you need to have sufficient knowledge of it for you to direct the affairs. He wasn’t particularly too strong in foreign affairs but I thought he was strong enough in the military.

    “From his performance in his first outing as head of state, I thought he would also do well in fighting corruption. I did not know the nepotistic tendencies of President Buhari maybe because he was not exposed to that sort of situation when he worked with me.

    “With what I have seen now, I believe that maybe he will be thinking of a legacy. Maybe he will also learn from what has happened in recent times.

    “If you are the commander-in-chief and banditry is taking place in your backyard, then you have to wake up. The president changed his service chiefs after they have been there for more than five years without any perceptible improvement and some people started jubilating.

    “I don’t know any of those people that have been appointed as service chiefs but you will hear my comments three to six months from now because within that period, we should be able to show what they can do.”

  • Suspected Boko Haram members kills 2 policemen, abducts 2 during Service Chiefs’ maiden visit to Borno

    Suspected Boko Haram members kills 2 policemen, abducts 2 during Service Chiefs’ maiden visit to Borno

    Suspected Boko Haram sect members attacked Chabal and other Communities of Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday afternoon and reportedly killed two policemen before abducting two others.

    The terrorists also in an ambush seized two patrol Vehicles and set ablaze another one along Maiduguri-Chabal- Magumeri 35km Road north of the state capital.

    Chabal is less than 22km drive from Maimalari Cantonment, 7 Div Nigerian Army, Maiduguri.

    This unfortunate incident is coming on the day all the newly appointed Service Chiefs paid their first on the spot assessment of the security situation in Maiduguri.

    The Service Chiefs currently in Maiduguri for their first operational visit to Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, since their appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The service chiefs are the Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Iraboh, Chief of Army Staff Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao and Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Auwal Gambo and other principal staff officers from the Defence and other 3 services.

    The service chiefs while in Maiduguri were briefed at the headquarters command and control centre Maimalari cantonment Maiduguri, after which they all visited Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi to seek their collaborative support to end the lingering more than a decade crisis.

    But unfortunately, some terrorists attack the region today and reportedly killed two policemen on patrol before abducting two others.

    It was also gathered that during the Chabal and Magumeri Communities onslaught, the insurgents went away with two patrol vehicles after setting ablaze on the vehicle, while the dead bodies of the policemen were conveyed to Maiduguri with one injured Police Officer now receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Maiduguri. ” The Source stated.

    Also, an unconfirmed source said that the insurgents stationed three gun trucks between Chabol and Magumeri and then fired at the military base located in that area.

    “After displacing the military, they attacked the police checkpoint where they burnt down one police vehicle and took one with them. There are three corpses now at the spot. A CJTF, A Police Officer and another civilian.” The source said.

    Details later…

  • New Service Chiefs arrive Maiduguri to tackle insurgency

    New Service Chiefs arrive Maiduguri to tackle insurgency

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, on Sunday paid his first operational visit to the Theatre Command in Maiduguri.

    He was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Air Staff, Isiaka Amao and the Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo.

    Mr Irabor, a major-general, along with his team, was received by Farouq Yahaya, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole; Abdul Khalifa, the General Officer Commanding, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and other principal staff officers of the Military Command and Control Centre at the Headquarters of the Air Task Force.

    Mr Khalifa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in an interview, that the CDS would be meeting with the other Service Chiefs, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Chiefs of Training and Operations from the Defence Headquarters, Army, Navy, Air Force and other field commanders, where they would be briefed on recent operations in the theatre.

    Mr Khalifa said that the service chiefs would also pay courtesy visits to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn-Garbai and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno.