Nigeria’s Service Chiefs
There is disquiet in the nation’s Army following recent changes in strategies in the battle to flush out the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists.
Consequently, the Boko Haram war in the Northeast, hitherto under the supervision of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, is now being led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin.
The finding follows days of investigation by DAILY POST on the seeming resurgence of Boko Haram, after the group’s inability to carry out major attacks towards the end of last year.
It was gathered that the recent shake-up in the Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, was part of moves by the Military to confirm that the Defence Headquarters was now in charge of all operations.
Major General Hassan Umaru, his replacement, now heads the Theatre. He was the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Deputy Theatre Commander is Major General Lucky Irabor.
Also, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, was replaced with Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu.
Adeosun was sent to Multinational Joint TaskForce (MNJTF) with headquarters in Chad.
Similarly, former Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, was moved to the Defence Headquarters as Theatre Information Officer.
The Military said his appointment was “part of the recent efforts by the military leadership to restructure the Northeast campaign in order to effectively counter the Boko Haram insurgents and enhance the success of Operation Lafiya Dole.”
Curious as to why Buratai, in his position as Army Chief, was yet to visit the scene of the carnage in spite of visits by a federal government delegation and the new Theatre head, DAILY POST contacted military sources for insight.
Our correspondent was informed that indeed, the Boko Haram operation has been transferred to the CDS.
“Mr. Buratai usually visits attacked communities. Instances are Geidam, Madagali, among others. He visits within 24 hours with warnings and words of encouragement to troops,” a source said.
But Buratai has stopped such, DAILY POST can authoritatively report.
Investigation shows that Buratai stayed away after recent attacks in Chibok, Wanori and Dalori, while it also appears that the change in command and control of troops has started taking toll on operations.
“Soldiers in battle front believe the development came at a wrong time. We used to have daily raids against Boko Haram,” said another source.
“They are now relaxed because everyone is waiting for the new plan directly from CDS’s office. We hope politics is not coming into play over management of operations.
“The war on Boko Haram should be from Maiduguri, not Abuja. We must not allow room for lapses. Many of the troops are not happy about the restructure and this is the truth.
“Being the ground troops and doing the bulk of the work, they want the COAS, whether Buratai or not, to be in command not CDS.
“In the past, operations directly under Defence were full of issues; go back to history. We only had some relief during the tenure of Ihejirika and now Buratai.
“Honestly, the recent upsurge in Boko Haram attacks is an indication Nigeria is moving back to square one and the fact that the terrorists all escaped after Dalori massacre shows we are in trouble.”
Phone calls to Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, Friday night and Saturday morning were not answered. He also did not reply text message seeking his response.
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