Nigeria: main army chiefs replaced
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina, Nigeria on December 18, 2020. REUTERS - AFOLABI SOTUNDE
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2 min
Nigeria was, Tuesday, January 26, the scene of a spectacular sweep through the ranks of the army.
The head of state, President Buhari, has decided to replace the main leaders of the Nigerian army.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is facing serious unrest, especially in the northeast of the country.
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With our correspondent in Abuja,
Moïse Gomis
Major General Irabor is appointed Chief of the Defense Staff;
the general of division Attahiru takes the head of the army of ground;
Vice-Admiral Gambo now heads the navy;
Air Division General Amao is the new Air Force No. 1.
These men replace outgoing people who had been in office since Muhammadu Buhari's first democratic term in 2015. Among these outgoing members, Tukur Buratai was the most contested figure, notably for having repeatedly proclaimed victory against Boko Haram.
Announcements each time denied by the reality on the ground around Lake Chad.
And lately, Tukur Buratai's responsibility as
army
chief
was pointed out when firing on civilians
at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos during peaceful protests against the SARS police unit [Special Anti-Robbery Squad, the special anti-robbery brigade].
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To read also: After the drama of Lekki, Nigeria mobilizes against police violence
By replacing all his military leaders, President Muhammadu Buhari is putting an end to weeks of tension with his presidential majority.
Indeed, the House of Representatives but also the Senate demanded their dismissal to give new impetus to the
security of Nigeria
.
With this replacement of the four heads of the defense forces, ex-General Muhammadu Buhari hopes to regain control.
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Nigeria
Muhammadu Buhari
Defense