Buhari Appoints New Service Chiefs, NSA

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved the appointments of new service chiefs and National Security Adviser for the country.

Their appointments, which was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, followed Buhari’s sacking of the former occupants of the offices earlier in the day. 

The new appointments, according to the statement are:

1. Maj.-Gen. Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin – Chief of Defence Staff

2. Maj.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai – Chief of Army Staff

3. Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Chief of Naval Staff

4. Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff

5. Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku  Morgan – Chief of Defence Intelligence

6. Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.) – National Security Adviser

The new Chief of Defence Staff,  Olonishakin (N/6901) hails from Ekiti State.

Until his new appointment, he was the Head of the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command in Minna, Niger State.

The new Chief of Army Staff, Buratai hails from Borno State. 

He was, until his new appointment, the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force which has its headquarters in Ndjamena. 

He has previously served as Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 2nd Brigade in Port Harcourt and Commander of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State.

The new Chief of Naval Staff, Ibas (NN/0746) hails from Cross River State. 

He enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as  a member of the 26th Regular Course in 1979 and was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983.  

His previous appointments include Naval Provost Marshal, Chief Staff Officer, Naval Training Command, Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters. Until his appointment as Chief of Naval Staff, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Navy Holdings Limited.

The new Chief of Air Staff, Abubakar (NAF/1433) hails from Bauchi State.  

His previous appointments include Chief of Standards and Evaluation, NAF Headquarters; Chief of Defence Communications and Air Officer Commanding, NAF Training Command. Until his new appointment today as Chief of Air Staff, he was the Chief of Administration, NAF Headquarters.

Adesina said the new service chiefs will hold their appointments in an acting capacity until confirmed by the Senate.

He quoted the President as  thanking the outgoing Service Chiefs and National Security Adviser for their services to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours.

- Punch