5 facts to know about new COAS Major-General Attahiru
Whereas some Nigerians feel the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to bring onboard new service chiefs is a step long overdue, his choice of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru must have come as shock to many.
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This is because Attahiru in July 2017 was sacked as the theatre commander of the joint task force for failing to capture the leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Abubakar Shekau, by his predecessor, Tukur Buratai.
Four years later, fate smiled on the sacked officer when on Tuesday, January 26, President Buhari appointed him to assume his boss' seat.
As the new COAS begins his duty of leading the Nigerian Army (NA) in the protracted war against terrorism throughout the country, especially in the northern region, there are some key facts to note about him.
Source: UGC
1. Attahiru has served as a commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the special military unit formed to deal with insurgents in Northeast Nigeria.
2. Before his latest appointment, the new NA chief headed the 82 Division of the force.
3. He had the rare opportunity to spearhead the offensive against Boko Haram in the North-East in 2017.
4. Attahiru was sacked in 2017 after attacks characterised by bombings from the terrorists increased.
5. After his sack from the position, Attahiru was replaced with another general, Nicholas Rogers
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Meanwhile, President Buhari on Tuesday announced the appointment of new service chiefs following the resignation of their predecessors.
The Nigerian leader in a tweet via his official Twitter handle noted that he has accepted the immediate resignation of the service chiefs and their retirement from service.
Those involved are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Legit.ng gathered that the appointments were conveyed in a statement signed by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, and shared on his Facebook page.
Source: Legit.ng
