President appoints new defence chiefs

July 13, 2015 2:16 PM

The change of defence chiefs was widely anticipated because Buhari, a former general who was inaugurated on May 29, has made crushing militant Islamist group Boko Haram his top priority.

President Muhammadu Buhari addresses members of the National Working Committee during the meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party at the headquarters of the party in Abuja, Nigeria July 3, 2015. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed new defence chiefs and filled the post of National Security Adviser, a presidency spokesman said on Monday.

Hours earlier, Buhari sacked his previous top defence staff.

The change of defence chiefs was widely anticipated because Buhari, a former general who was inaugurated on May 29, has made crushing militant Islamist group Boko Haram his top priority.

Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.) has been appointed as the National Security Adviser, Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin appointed Chief of Defense Staff.

Major-General T.Y. Buratai has been named Chief of Army Staff, and Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Chief of Naval Staff.

Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar is the new Chief of Air Staff, with Air Vice Marshal MondayRiku Morgan, the new Chief of Defense Intelligence.

The appointments will temper some flames which were beginning to erupt as a result of Buhari’s failure to fill key roles in his administration, with many still awaiting the appointment of ministers.

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