Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: COAS

  • Reps confirm Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff

    Reps confirm Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff

    The House of Representatives has confirmed the nomination of Major General Farouk Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff.

    The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the screening report by the House’ Committees on Defense and Army at the plenary on Tuesday.

    The joint committee, which screened Yahaya earlier on June 15, 2021, laid its report earlier on Tuesday.

    The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had asked the Senate and the House to confirm the appointment of Yahaya.

    Yahaya’s appointment was announced one week after the demise of the immediate past COAS, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others in a plane crash in Kaduna.

    During his screening, the nominee, who was asked to introduce himself, also recalled that he had worked in all the strategic positions, departments and units of the Nigerian Army, making him understand their peculiarities and situations. He added that he served on international war and peacekeeping missions including in Liberia.

    The COAS designate said, “I am Major General Farouk Yahaya. I was born on January 5, 1966…in Sokoto State. I joined the military 36 years ago. So, if you will, I have brought a lot with me; 36 years of military experience, having joined the Army on the 26th September 1985, as a member of the 37th Regular Course in the NDA (Nigerian Defense Academy). I passed on the 22nd of September 1990.

    Remain selfless, disciplined, Yahaya charges soldiers
    “Since that time, I have passed through all the relevant courses commensurate with my career as I grow up and I have (served) in various capacities, including command, staff, administration and extracurricular.”

    Yahaya also said, “I went to the headquarters of Theatre Command as Theatre Commander and I am pleased to observe that I am one of the longest-serving Theatre Commanders. I think only the former CDS served longer than me. I have been there for over a year.

    “I am pleased to report that it was under my command that we were able to enter the Timbuktu Triangle that we were not able to get into for a very long time. Timbuktu was one dreaded area that hitherto was held by the terrorists. But with the support of the Federal Government and the Chief of Army Staff then, we were able to clear the Timbuktu Triangle and ransack all the hitherto enclaves of Boko Haram.

    “Having looked at my career, I believe I have virtually seen it all. I have seen war in other countries and how it was done. I was involved in internal security operations, both here and there; I have been to the North-West, South-South and to the North-East.

    “The challenges we are facing now, all are characterised by these areas I have mentioned, where I have first-hand information; where I have also commanded troops and administered them in achieving what we have done.

    “I, therefore, believe that I have the prerequisite requirement to provide my services in this office of the Chief of Army Staff if so confirmed. What I have brought is 36 years of experience and commitment regarding leadership that I have had throughout my career.”

  • COAS Visits Imo, Lauds Troops’ Resilience In Restoring Security

    COAS Visits Imo, Lauds Troops’ Resilience In Restoring Security

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj Gen Farouk Yahaya has lauded the resilience and doggedness of troops of 34 Brigade and operatives of other security agencies in turning the tide of the recent spate of insecurity that resulted from the criminal activities of the proscribed group, IPOB, in Imo State.

    Gen Yahaya made the commendation today at Obinze Barracks, Owerri Imo State while addressing the troops during his maiden operational visit to Headquarters 34 Brigade.

    He told the troops that his visit was informed by the need to have an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the state. The COAS expressed delight in the successes so far recorded by the troops and urged them to redouble their effort in order to consolidate their successes.

    Gen Yahaya further charged them to be loyal and exhibit a high sense of duty at all times. He pointed out, that more successes would be recorded through compliance to instructions and loyalty to a superior authority.

    The COAS also called on the officers to always lead by example and ensure that troops are adequately briefed and kept abreast of the mission at hand.

    In a show of synergy, the COAS also paid a visit to troops of 211 Response Group, Nigerian Air Force, Owerri, where he implored the troops to be professional and alert at all times. He expressed appreciation for their spirit of jointness and synergy towards tackling insecurity in the state.

    The highlight of the working tour was COAS’ visit to the proposed Military Hospital Owerri and a tour of Obinze Barracks.

    SEE PHOTOS;

  • Buhari writes Senate to confirm Yahaya as COAS

    Buhari writes Senate to confirm Yahaya as COAS

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the senate to confirm the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya.

    Buhari’s request was contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and read during resumption of plenary on Tuesday.

    The President, in the letter, said Yahaya’s appointment was in compliance with the provisions of Section 18 subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act 2004.

    The letter reads in part: “In compliance with the provisions of section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, I hereby forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “His CV is herewith attached. It is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee in the usual expeditious manner.”

    The new nominee takes over from former Chief of Army Staff, Major General Attahiru Ibrahim, who died in a plane crash near the Kaduna International Airport about two weeks ago.

  • Gov. Ishaku charged new appointed COAS Faruk Yahaya to redoubtable effort in combating insurgency

    Gov. Ishaku charged new appointed COAS Faruk Yahaya to redoubtable effort in combating insurgency

    By Danzumi Ishaku, Jalingo.

    The Taraba state Governor, Arch. Darius Dickson Ishaku has charged the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff Major General Faruk Yahaya to his good iniciatives and redoubled his effort at combating insurgency in the Country, stating that it would be a shame if Nigerian Army cannot end insurgency in the Northeast when they have done same in other countries.

    The Taraba state Governor who was Speaking during an interactive session with Journalists in Jalingo, to commemorate his six year anniversary in the state.

    Governor Ishaku condemned in strong team the recent killings of innocent citizens in Taraba particularly Bali and Takum Local Government Area of the state. He said the crisis between the TIVs and Fulanis started from Benue State which escalated to Taraba leading to the death of 18 persons.

    According to Governor Ishaku, it was not easy for him to bring back peace in the trouble spots in the state urging Tarabans to always maintain peace for the overall development of the state and the nation.

    He called on Nigerians to shun rumour mongering which is hitherto responsible for the escalation of crisis, saying he distanced himself on the creation of regional police and reechoed his stance for the creation of State and Local Government Police.

    Speaking on the defection of some PDP Governors to the All Progressive Congress, APC, Governor Ishaku said he remain undeterred since it is their personal opinion maintaining that the onus lies on Nigerians to contribute their quota to the development of the country than cross carpeting.

    Ishaku applauded the leadership style of NUJ Chairman Taraba State Council David Nya for his forsight maturity he has exhibited in handling issues of the Union.

    The Governor pledged to fulfill his promise of renovating the NUJ Center when funds are available since it is captured in this year’s budget.

  • New COAS Maj. Gen Farouk Yahaya Assumes Office

    New COAS Maj. Gen Farouk Yahaya Assumes Office

    The newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff Major General Farouk Yahaya has officially resumed duties.

    He began his resumption by inspecting the Quarter Guard.

    The new COAS succeeds Lieutenant Ibrahim Attahiru who died in a plane crash exactly one week ago in Kaduna state alongside other military officers.

    A handful of Army Generals received the Army Chief at the Quarter Guard, where he inspected a Guard of Honour.

    Although there was no formal handing over, the Chief of Army Staff met with the Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, behind closed doors.

    Shortly after the meeting with the CDS, Yahaya went into another closed door meeting with Principal Staff Officers (PSO) and Commanders.

    At the meeting were the Army Chief of Policy and Plans Major General Benjamin Ahanotu and other members of Course 35 and 36.

    The new Army Chief is a member of 37 Regular Course.

    It was reported that serving members of Course 35, 36 and 37 may be asked proceed on compulsory retirement.

    Shortly after the meeting with the PSOs, Yahaya drove out of the Defence Headquarters.

  • Yahaya’s appointment as COAS puts 25 generals on exit line

    Yahaya’s appointment as COAS puts 25 generals on exit line

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday appointed Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff, one week after the demise of the former COAS, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others in a plane crash in Kaduna.

    Until his appointment, Yahaya was the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, responsible for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

    Yahaya’s emergence may however spell the end of the careers of about 25 major generals who were of the Regular Course 35 and Regular Course 36.

    Yahaya’s appointment was contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu.

    The statement reads, “The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff.

    “Prior to his appointment Major General Yahaya was the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and the incumbent Theatre Commander of the Counter Terrorism Counter Insurgency military outfit in the North East code named Operation Hadin Kai.”

    On Thursday, there were strong indications that his appointment would lead to the retirement of no fewer than 25 major generals, who were his seniors.

    According to military tradition, the new COAS, who is of Course 37 is junior to these officers and cannot superintend over them.

    Yahaya is also junior to the other service chiefs as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor is of Regular Course 34 Intake; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, both being Regular Course 35 intakes.

    Yahaya was the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna before his deployment to Operation Hadin Kai.

    It was gathered that the appointment of Yahaya, who is from Sokoto State, was a bit delayed because the President was trying to weigh the ethnic and religion factors in naming a new COAS.

    A source said, “The President finally settled for Yahaya because many of the Generals in Regular Courses 35 and 36 were found to be from the same tribe or same state as other security chiefs in the Ministry of Defence, National Security Adviser’s office, the Navy and the Air Force.

    “For instance, Major General. Jamil Sarham, of Regular Course 36, former Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy is from Kano, where the Minister of Defence, Major General. Bashir Magashi (retd.) and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, hail from.

    “From all indications no fewer than 25 major generals from courses 35 and 36 will leave the force with the appointment Yahaya.”

    The source also cited another contender to the top military position, the Chief of Policy and Plan Maj. Gen. Benjamin Ahanotu of Regular Course 35, who is from Anambra state which shares boundary with Delta state where the CDS hailed from.

    The COAS was born on January 5, 1966 in Sifawa, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    He started his cadet training at the NDA on September 27, 1985 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on September 22, 1990.

    Notable among the appointments held by the new COAS is Garrison Commander Headquarters Guards Brigade, Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Deputy Director Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Deputy Director Army Research and Development and the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield.

  • Profile of new COAS, Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya

    Profile of new COAS, Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya

    Following the sudden death of Ibrahim Attahiru, who was the Chief of Army Staff, President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff.

    Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, Acting Director, Defence Information, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

    Here are few things to know about him:

    1. Major General Farouk Yahaya is of Regular Course 37 of the Nigerian Defence Academy
    2. Yahaya was born on January 5, 1966 in Sifawa, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
    3. He hails from Zamfara State.
    4. He started his cadet training on Sept. 27 1985 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on Sept. 22, 1990.
    5. Yahaya has held several appointments including Staff, Instructional and Command.
    6. Notable among the appointments held by the new COAS are Garrison Commander Headquarters Guards Brigade, Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Deputy Director Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Deputy Director Army Research and Development and the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield.
    7. He also served as the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Commander, Headquarters 4 Brigade and 29 Task Force Brigade (Operation Zaman Lafiya); Director Manpower at the Army Headquarters, Military Secretary, Army Headquarters and General Officer Commanding (GOC) Headquarters 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.
  • BREAKING: Buhari Appoints New COAS, Maj. Gen Farouk Yahaya

    BREAKING: Buhari Appoints New COAS, Maj. Gen Farouk Yahaya

    President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Major-General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff.

    This is according to a statement signed and released on Thursday by military spokesperson Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu.

    Prior to his appointment Major-General Yahaya was the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and the incumbent Theatre Commander of the Counter terrorism Counter Insurgency military outfit in the North East code named Operation HADIN KAI, the statement said.

    His appointment comes days after the immediate past army chief, Lieutenan-General Ibrahim Attahiru died in a Kaduna air-crash along with 10 other military officials.

    Details Later…

  • Army To Hold Passing Out Parade For Recruits One Week After Attahiru’s Death

    Army To Hold Passing Out Parade For Recruits One Week After Attahiru’s Death

    The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 80 Regular Recruit Intakes (RRI) has been postponed to May 29 following the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.

    Attahiru, alongside 10 other senior military personnel died last week Friday in a plane crash in Kaduna State.

    Capt. Audu Arigu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army Depot, announced the postponement via a statement on Tuesday.

    The ceremony was originally scheduled for May 22 with the late Army chief supposed to serve as Reviewing Officer and Special Guest of Honour.

    He was also expected to commission a new medical center for the depot as part of the event.

    Arigu noted that the POP was one of the series of activities lined up to mark the end of the rigorous training involved in the process of making a soldier.

    He said the event was the climax of the recruits’ intensive training, adding that the ceremony showcases the height of military discipline and regimentation.

  • 8 Division Nigerian Army Open Condolence Register In Honor Of COAS

    8 Division Nigerian Army Open Condolence Register In Honor Of COAS

    By Muhammad Goronyo Sokoto

    The Headquarters 8 Division Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that it has open a condolence register in honor of late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru (Chief of Army Staff) and 10 others who died in a plane crash at Kaduna International Airport on 21 May 2021.

    This contained in a release signed and issued to newsmen in Sokoto by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Officer Major Adamu Yahaya Ngulde.

    The Condolence register will be opened from 7am to 6pm daily for the period of 25-31 May 2021.

    The released also stated that interested persons are expected to come to Headquarters 8 Divison, Kalambiana to sign the condolence register.