Taoreed Lagbaja, chief of army staff (COAS)
The Nigerian Army has approved the posting and redeployment of no fewer than 975 officers.
The exercise affects 206 generals, 64 colonels, 302 lieutenant colonels; 139 majors, and 122 captains, among others.
A circular signed by Maj. Gen. E.F. Oyinlola and dated January 4, 2024, which was sighted by our correspondent on Sunday, stated that the appointments and redeployment of the officers would take effect from Monday (today).
Also, according to the circular, the authorisation for the amendment and deletion of a total of 120 officers was given.
The affected officers comprise six colonels, 26 lieutenant colonels, 33 majors, 26 captains, and 29 lieutenants.
The reason for such actions was, however, not stated.
Meanwhile, Oyinlola threatened to sanction officers who refused to resume at their new offices.
He advised commanders to ensure the release of the affected officers, noting that they would bear responsibility for their officers’ failure to resume.
“It is the responsibility of all formation/unit commanders, whose officers are affected by this posting, to implement accordingly. Officers must take over on the effective dates indicated. Formation/unit commanders are to take immediate administrative action on any officer who refuses to report on the effective date of posting and inform the AHQ Dept of MS.
“Commanders who fail to release posted officers at the time stipulated will be appropriately sanctioned. Commanders will also be held responsible for lapses in the implementation of the directives contained herein, “ the circular added.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, could not be reached for comment, as calls to his mobile line indicated it was not reachable.
A response to the text message sent to him on the matter was still being awaited as of the time of filling this report.
The Army’s last redeployment was done in June 2023. However, the number of the affected officers was not disclosed.
Source: The Punch
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