Here Is The List Of Over 40 Military Generals That Are Compulsory Retired According To Military Tradition.

 Following the appointment of new Service Chiefes by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dozens of military top brass will have to exit service due to traditional command and control practice.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken action by approving the immediate retirement of all service chiefs, advisers, comptroller-general of customs, and the inspector-general of police, with immediate effect. The retired Service Chiefs include General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, Chief of Air Staff. In their place, Maj. Gen. C.G. Musa has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. T. A Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E. A . Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff, and AVM H.B. Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff. DIG Kayode Egbetokun has also been appointed as the acting Inspector-General of Police, and Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Sources from the military have stated that the former service chiefs, their management team, and commandants of tri-service institutions will be retiring. This includes the Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) of the former Service Chiefs and the Commandants of tri-service institutions, mainly from Courses 37 and 38 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). 

It is important to note that the new Chief of Defence Staff, Musa, belongs to the 38 Regular Course, while the other service chiefs are from the 39 Regular Course. Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, belongs to the 39 Regular Course, while Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, is from Course 39. Similarly, AVM Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, also belongs to Course 39.

It has been reported that more than 40 generals from all military branches will be stepping down to make way for younger officers to take over their positions. This is in keeping with military tradition, which maintains that a senior officer should not take orders from a junior officer.

When asked about the matter and its potential impact on the fight against insecurity, a former Army spokesperson, Brigadier General Sani Usman (Retired), stated that the retirement of military officers is a routine occurrence that provides opportunities for young officers to demonstrate their abilities. He emphasized that this development will not hurt the security architecture, as the retirees will become part of the military reserve.

He further explained that although changes are expected in the military, they should not cause concern. This change will allow others to showcase their skills, abilities, and competence. However, he did note that the Nigerian experience is different from that of other countries like the United States, where mass retirement is rarely seen.

 In Nigeria, it is common for people to come and go within the system, particularly within the military tradition, where departure can occur either through retirement or death. If one leaves the military in good health, it is seen as a blessing from God. However, there is also a concept of debarment, which prevents individuals from taking their skills and experience elsewhere after being trained and invested in by the Nigerian State. This is why military personnel are paid, and there is also an army reserve.

 

Regarding the recent retirement of military generals, Dr Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, the secretary-general of the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS), believes it will not significantly impact national security. Instead, he sees it as an opportunity for new, fresh talent to take on these positions and bring about positive change. Additionally, appointing new chiefs from various geopolitical zones is a positive move towards ensuring federal character and progress. The hope is that these new chiefs will be able to effectively address the current situation and improve the safety and security of Nigerians.

 In the military, it is a standard practice for senior personnel to retire when their junior counterparts are appointed. This is not unique to the current regime in Nigeria, as it is a global phenomenon in the military. Therefore, it is not specific to Nigeria.

." I Will Chase Criminals Like A Tiger – Acting IGP

Yesterday, the newly appointed acting inspector-general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed his determination to combat crime and eliminate criminal activities in the country. During an interview with State House correspondents, he shared his eagerness to take on the challenges of his new role. Egbetokun was decorated by the vice president, Kassim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, and he is set to officially assume his duties tomorrow morning at 11 am. He likened his enthusiasm to that of a tiger, ready to chase away all the criminals in Nigeria.

The newly appointed IGP shared his passion for Nigeria, describing feeling like a lion ready to defeat all internal enemies. Baba Alkali's predecessor expressed confidence in the new leader, citing their shared history and collaboration. Alkali recognized the moment's significance, describing it as a stage where one comes, works, and eventually departs. Despite leaving his position, the outgoing IGP expressed satisfaction in passing the torch of leadership to someone he trusts to carry it forward.