NATIONAL: Attahiru resumes as Chief of Army Staff

*Obasanjo almost retired me as a major 21 years ago — Buratai

MAJOR Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru has taken over command from Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The historic event took place on Wednesday at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja.

During the occasion, Buratai reiterated the key things he will be remembered for during his tenure.

According to him, he has improved professionalism in the Nigerian Army, and ensured responsiveness in the training, logistics and welfare of the soldiers and officers.

General Buratai noted that his achievements within 66 months that he superintended the affairs of the Army has increased civil-military relations, brought new innovations, tackled cyber warfare, encouraged research and development as well as the production of fighting platforms (military hardware) among others.

He, however, thanked President Buhari for the privilege and honour to serve until he honourably resigned.

In expressing his gratitude to the President, he recalled that he was almost retired prematurely while a major over two decades ago, but was lucky to escape and then got the appointment with President Buhari.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo almost retired me 21 years ago when I was a Major. My retirement after 40 years of service is historic, hence, calls for gratitude,” he said.

General Buratai expressed gratitude to officers and men of the Nigerian Army for the loyalty, discipline and commitment accorded him during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff.

He commended the troops in all the formations and theatres of operations for their show of patriotism, professionalism and dexterity in the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other associated crimes in the country.

Attahiru, in his remarks, also thanked the president, for appointing him to lead the army at this critical point in the nation’s history. He pledged his total commitment to the task ahead.

Gen. Buratai who was appointed by President Buhari in July 2015 as the Chief of Army Staff, spent 40 years in service as a soldier and 66 months in office as Army Chief.

Earlier in his address, Chief of Army Policy and Plans, Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun described General Buratai’s tenure as highly successful and rewarding in terms of infrastructural development, welfare of personnel and soldiers, and selfless service among others.

He noted that General Buratai came, saw and conquered as the Army Chief and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Major General Ibrahim Attahiru was on Tuesday appointed as the new Chief of Army Staff alongside other Service Chiefs following the ‘resignation’ of the outgoing Service Chiefs on January 26.

President Buhari had on Wednesday met with the new Service Chiefs, reminding them that the country is “in a state of emergency.” He charged them to pay more attention to the morale of the officers and men of the military.

The President also admonished the newly military helmsmen to be patriotic in the discharge of their duties and be dedicated to ending insecurity in the country.

Before his appointment as COAS, Major General Attahiru held several positions in Nigerian Army. He was the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, Deputy Director Military Secretary 2 at the AHQ MS (A), Director Army Public Relations, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Director Staff Duties and Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans at the Army Headquarters. 

Attahiru is expected to lead the army in a resurgent fight against terrorism particularly in the northern part of the country.

Born in 1966, the new COAS is a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Armed Forces Command and Staff College and Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

He commenced cadets training in January 1984 and was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant in December 1986 as an Infantry Officer.