Nigeria’s top military chiefs have been sacked by President Goodluck Jonathan, his spokesman Reuben Abati has said. No reason was given but the dismissals come amid growing concern about the military’s failure to end the Islamist-led insurgency in northern Nigeria. It’s clear that Nigeria’s Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to sack the military leaders was driven by urgent security needs.
Mr Abati said Air Marshal Alex Badeh replaces Admiral Ola Ibrahim as the new chief of defence staff, the most senior post in the military, after Nigeria’s Goodluck Jonathan dismissed the former chiefs.
Boko Haram has been waging a four-year insurgency in Nigeria. Mr Goodluck imposed a state of emergency in three northern states in May 2013, giving the military wide-ranging powers to end the insurgency. Amid the chaos, Jonathan’s decision to sack and reshuffle his military chiefs aimed to strengthen the military response.
However, Boko Haram has continued with its campaigning of violence – including attacks on military barracks. United Nations figures suggest more than 1,200 people have been killed in Islamist-related violence since the state of emergency started.
–standardmedia.co.ke
The high command reshuffle included the removal of Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ola Ibrahim, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh.
They were replaced by Air Marshal Alex Badeh (promoted to Chief of Defence Staff), Maj. Gen. Kenneth Minimah (Army), Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin (Navy), and Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosu (Air Force).
