The Nigerian Army has on Thursday debunked reports of an alleged mass retirement in the military following the appointment of the newly-installed Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya.
WUZUPNIGERIA reported that Maj. Gen. Yahaya assumed office as Nigerian’s 22nd CoAS following the tragic death of his predecessor, General Ibrahim Attahiru, alongside 10 others in a plane crash last month.
However, following Yahaya’s appointment on May 27 by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), rumours had it that at least 25 Generals would be retiring from the force because of military tradition which suggests that Yahaya who is of Course 37 can’t superintend over them, according to The PUNCH.
Contrary to the mass retirement reports, a statement by the Acting Director of the Defence Media Operation, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, which was made available to WUZUPNIGERIA has debunked the report.
Onyeuko’s statement comes after a press briefing by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations held at the Defence Headquarters on June 3.
He said: “At this point, you are all aware of the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya. This has stirred up lot of rumours in the media about mass retirements in the military. I wish to use this medium to dispel such unfounded rumours.
“Retirement is only on voluntary basis for senior officers who desire to do so. At this point, no retirements has been authorized by the Military High Command.
Speaking further, Onyeuku added, “the Military High Command will not be weary of appreciating the general public for their support and continue to encourage them to provide credible and timely information that will facilitate our proactive engagements in the theatres of operations.”
