The Defence Headquarters has clarified that there will be no mass retirement of senior officers in the Nigerian Army over the appointment of Farouq Yahaya as new Chief of Army Staff.
Two weeks ago when Yahaya was appointed as COAS by President Muhammadu Buhari, there were rumors that his appointment would lead to the retirement of 37 senior officers.
But addressing journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig. Gen. Benard Onyeuko, dispelled the rumor, saying no retirement has been approved and that retirement for senior officers in the Armed forces is voluntary.
He said: “At this point, you are all aware of the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya.
“This has stirred up a lot of rumors in the media about mass retirements in the military.
“I wish to use this medium to dispel such unfounded rumors as retirement is only on a voluntary basis for senior officers who desire to do so.
“At this point, no retirements has been authorized by the military high command.”
