President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the tenure of Nigeria’s military chiefs.

The extension was confirmed in a statement by Mr Tukur Gusau, a colonel and spokesperson to Minister of Defence, Mr Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali.

Military chiefs whose tenure were extended are General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIkwe Ibas, Chief of Naval staff; and Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Chief of Air staff.

The extension was largely based on efforts of the military chiefs in tackling Boko Haram in North-east and addressing other security issues, Gusau said.

Here’s the statement in full:
“The President and Commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, having carefully reviewed on-going military operations across the nation and efforts of Chief of Defence staff and Service chiefs in the counter insurgency operations in the North East coupled with the security situation of the Niger Delta region, has graciously approved the extension of tenure of service of General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai Chief of Army Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIkwe Ibas, Chief of Naval staff and Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Chief of Air staff.

“This extension is pursuant of the powers conferred on the President and Commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by section 218 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and section 09.06 of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions for Service for officers (2012) Revised.

Minister of Defence Mansur Dan-Ali therefore congratulates Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for earning the confidence of the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria leading to their extension of service.”

PT