Major-General I. Attahiru, has been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Nigeria’s new Chief of Army Staff.
The emergence of Attahiru, who would be replacing General Tukur Buratai, was following the sack of the old service chiefs.
The President in a statement said he was delighted receiving the immediate resignation of the service chiefs, hence the appointment of the new ones.
The statement read:
“I have accepted the immediate resignation of the Service Chiefs, and their retirement from service. I thank them all for their overwhelming achievements in our efforts at bringing enduring peace to Nigeria, and wish them well in their future endeavours.
“I have also appointed new Service Chiefs, to replace the retired officers:
- Major-General LEO Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff
LEO Irabor, Nigeria’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): A former Commander Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), former Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, former Chief of Training and Ops, DHQ.
- Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff
Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff
Nigeria’s new Naval Chief, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Regular Course 36): Is an Underwater Warfare specialist, with a sub-specialization in Intelligence. Holds a Master’s degree in Transport Management from LAUTECH.
Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.
About Major-General I. Attahiru
Maj Gen Attahiru Ibrahim, was appointed to lead the offensive against Boko Haram in the north-east in May 2017.
He was later sacked as the commander leading the fight following the death of 40 people, who died during a military operation to free people who had been ambushed in a convoy by the militants.
Also, those who died during the attack included soldiers and an oil exploration team.
Also, BBC Africa reported that Attahiru’s redeployment to an unspecified post follows numerous attacks by the insurgents, including the killing of at least 50 people in a mosque in 2017.
The reports however, added that no official reason was given for Maj Gen Ibrahim Attahiru’s removal.
But the then Army chief, Gen Tukur Buratai gave him (Attahiru) a deadline in July to deliver Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau dead or alive within 40 days, which he did not met.
