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With reports making the rounds that Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has been sacked as Chief of Army Staff and replaced with newly promoted Lt Gen LO Adeosun, the Nigerian Army has come out to clear the air.
In a tweet this evening, the army explained that Adeosun was only granted special promotion by President Muhammadu Buhari for his “extra ordinary feats, exemplary leadership, loyalty and uncommon commitment in the counter insurgency operation in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.”
According to the Army, Buratai is still the Chief of Army Staff while Adeosun remains Chief of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Army.
Newspeakonline recalls that following Adeosun’s promotion to Lt. Gen, reports said Buratai may be on his way out since Adeosun’s uncommon elevation puts them on the same rank.
Despite the Army’s statement, however, many believe it is only a matter of time before Buratai’s exit is announced especially due to the fact that there had been calls for the removal of the current service chiefs following the rising insecurity in the land.
The gains made in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East have been dwindling with the insurgents recently stepping up attacks on army bases. Banditry and kidnappings are also on the rise in the North and part of the North Central.