The Defence Headquarters has dispelled rumours of mass retirement of senior army officers over the recent appointment of Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff ( COAS).
Addressing journalists at the Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja, acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig. Gen. Benard Onyeuko, dispelled such insinuation, saying there was no planned mass retirement of senior officers in the Nigerian Army over the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff.
The appointment of Yahaya, a member of Course 37, has led to speculations that it could lead to the retirement of senior officers.
Dispelling the rumours, Onyeuko, stressed that at this point, no retirement has been approved, adding that retirement for senior officers in the Armed forces was voluntary.
“At this point, you are all aware of the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya.
“This has stirred up lot of rumours in the media about mass retirement in the military.
“I wish to use this medium to dispel such unfounded rumours.
“Retirement is only on voluntary basis for senior officers who desire to do so.
“At this point, no retirement has been authorised by the Military High Command”, Onyeuko said.
