Defence Minister, CDS Host New Army Chief Gen Yahaya

General Yahaya Assumes Command as 22nd Chief of Army Staff
… pays last respect to Late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru

The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya, today, 28 May 2021, assumed command at the Army Headquarters (AHQ), Abuja as the 22nd Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army (NA).

He was appointed COAS by President Muhammadu Buhari on 27 May 2021 following the unfortunate demise of Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others in a plane crash on Friday 21 May 2021.

On arrival from Maiduguri, the COAS proceeded to the Defence Headquarters where he formally reported to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and received the command insignia (flag), the symbol of authority before proceeding to take over his office at the AHQ.

He was received at the Army Headquarters by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) Army, Maj Gen BI Ahanotu and thereafter inspected a quarter guards mounted in his honour and the symbolic lowering and hoisting of command flag to signify the end and beginning of a new command in line with Army traditions.

General Yahaya later held a brief meeting with Principal Staff Officers after observing a minute silence in honour of former COAS, late General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others.

He requested maximum cooperation of the senior officers in order to achieve the mandate of safeguarding the country from the multifaceted security challenges facing the country.

The COAS further stressed team work and synergy as the way forward for the NA and the nation as no single individual or agency can make it alone.

The COAS thereafter proceeded to the Ministry of Defence to pay homage to the Honourabe Minister, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd).

MOHAMMED YERIMA
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
28 May 2021

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Gen Irabor Hosts New Army Chief Gen Yahaya
… urges him to build on legacy

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor today played host to the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya in his office, at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.

The CDS congratulated Maj Gen Yahaya on his appointment as the 22nd COAS, describing it as a well deserved appointment. The CDS also wished him a successful tenure in office as he assumes command. General Irabor further urged the new COAS to build on the legacy of his predecessor, particularly in the fight against insurgency and banditary.

The COAS was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Policy and Plans Headquarters Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Benjamin Ahanotu.

Highlight of the visit was the CDS’ presentation of Nigerian Army flag to the new COAS.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday 27 May 2021 appointed Maj Gen Yahaya as the new Army Chief.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Acting Director Defence Information
28 May 2021