Army Denies Compulsory Retirement of Officers

The Nigeria Army has dismissed the rumor of mass compulsory retirement of senior officers, following the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Farouk Yahaya.

The Acting Director of Defence Media Operation, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, dismissed the claim on Thursday at a press conference at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria's capital.

“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 a lot of rumors in the media about mass retirements in the military,” he told reporters at the briefing.

He added, “I wish to use this medium to dispel such unfounded rumors. Retirement is only voluntary for senior officers who desire to do so. At this point, no retirement has been authorized by the Military High Command.”

The spokesperson of the military also highlighted some of the successes recorded by the troops in its recent various operations in parts of the country.

According to Onyeuko, there is no gainsaying that the military and the security agencies are committed to ensuring peace return to the country.

He assured Nigerians that the military remained resolute to take decisive and adequate actions to bring an end to the activities of terrorists, bandits, and other vices in the country.

“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.

“The Military High Command also lauds all efforts of the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their resilience and indefatigable commitment,” he said.