TheCable

For the first time in this democratic dispensation, the Nigerian army will have two lieutenant-generals.

On Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the promotion Lamidi Adeosun, a major general and chief of training and operations at army headquarters, to lieutenant-general — the same rank as Tukur Buratai, the chief of army staff.

It is not clear if Adeosun’s promotion places him in good stead to replace Buratai, who has spent more than 35 years in service and is ordinarily due for retirement.

There are also speculations that Buratai may be made chief of defence staff to replace Abayomi Olonishakin, a four-star general who has also been long due for retirement.

Meanwhile, Buluma Biu, a brigadier-general and the general officer commanding of army’s 7 division, was also promoted a major general. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Sagir Musa, army’s spokesperson, said the promotion was the president’s demonstration of his support for the armed forces. 

“The present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to demonstrate total and unflinching support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the bid to effectively contain the security situation in the country especially activities of terrorists in the North East,” the statement read. 

“In particular, the government has shown commitment to recognizing excellence, dedication and commitment on the part of personnel of the Nigerian Army. It is in this wise that the President, Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the accelerated promotion of two senior officers and a subaltern of the Nigerian Army. The officers are granted promotion for their extraordinary feats, courage, exemplary leadership, loyalty, uncommon commitment and valour in the counter insurgency operation in the North Eastern part of the country.

“The two senior officers are Major General LO Adeosun, the Chief of Training and Operations at Army Headquarters who has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and Brigadier General AB Biu, General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri, promoted to the rank of Major General. Also, promoted to the rank of Captain is Lieutenant AJ Danjibrin of 211 Demonstration Battalion Bauchi.

“The President, Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has conveyed his personal congratulations to the promoted officers and charged them to continue to be shining examples to their colleagues.

“Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army felicitate with the newly promoted officers and extends his best wishes to them in all their future endeavours.”