National Security: Jonathan Replaces Service Chiefs *Badeh Is CDS (Defence), Minimah Is COAS (Army), Jibrin Is CNS (Navy), Amosu Is CAS (Airforce)

Nigeria's Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan flanked by his service chiefs — Nigeria’s Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan flanked by his service chiefs

Owing to unending security challenges that have bedevilled the country in the last few years, especially the Northern part of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has on Thursday approved the long awaited changes in the nation’s military high command.

The erstwhile Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh takes over from Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim as Chief of Defence Staff, while Major-General Kenneth Minimah replaces Lt.-General Azubike Ihejirika as Chief of Army Staff.

The new Chief of Naval Staff is Rear Admiral Usman O. Jibrin who takes over from Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, just as Air Vice Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu takes the baton from Air Marshal Badeh as Chief of Air Staff.

A statement issued by the President’s media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said all the changes are with immediate effect.

The statement reads, “The new Chief CDS, Air Marshal Badeh was born on January 10, 1957 and joined the Air Force as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 21 Regular Course.

“The new COAS, Major-General Minimah was born on July 27, 1959 and joined the Army as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 25 Regular Course. Until his new appointment, Major-General Minimah was the Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, Jaji.

Major-General Kenneth Tobiah Jacob Minimah

“The new CNS, Rear Admiral Jibrin was born on September 16, 1959 and joined the Navy as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 24 Regular Course. Until his appointment as CNS, he was Director of Training at Defence Headquarters.

“The new Chief of Air Staff and immediate past Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, Air Vice Marshal Amosu was born on August 1, 1958 and joined the Air Force as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 25 Regular Course. Until his new appointment, Air Vice Marshal Amosu was the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi.

“President Jonathan has briefed the leadership of the National Assembly on the appointment of the new service chiefs and will, in keeping with the provisions of the law, request the National Assembly to formally confirm the appointments when it reconvenes.”

Mr. Abati said the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh, has been appointed the Chief of Defence Staff. He replaces Admiral Ola Ibrahim.

Major-General Kenneth Tobiah Jacob Minimah takes over from Lt.-General Azubike O. Ihejirika as Chief of Army Staff;

Rear Admiral Usman O. Jibrin takes over from Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba as Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu takes over from Air Marshal Badeh as Chief of Air Staff.

President Jonathan has briefed the leadership of the National Assembly on the appointment of the new service chiefs and will, in keeping with the provisions of the law, request the National Assembly to formally confirm the appointments when it reconvenes.