PHOTOS: Buratai Hands Over To Attahiru As New Army Chief

The outgoing Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Y. Buratai has officially handed over the mantle of leadership of the Nigerian Army to Major General Ibrahim Attahiru as the new Army Chief.

President Muhammadu Buhari had, on Tuesday, announced the appointment of Gen. Attahiru alongside other service chiefs.

In an elaborate handing Over Ceremony at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, Thursday 28 January, Lt. Gen. Buratai thanked God for a successful service to the nation and President Muhammadu Buhari for the privilege and honour to serve as the Chief of Army Staff till he honourably resigned.

He also thanked officers and men of the Nigeria Army for the loyalty, discipline and commitment accorded him during his tenure as Army boss.

He urged the new army chief to ensure that the Nigerian Army remains professionally responsive in the discharge of its constitutional duties.

He therefore commended the troops in all the formations and theatre operations for their show of patriotism, professionalism and dexterity in the fight against insurgents, banditry, kidnapping and other associated crimes in the country.

“I am proud to say that Nigerian Army has transformed to become a professionally responsive in the defence of democracy with utmost loyalty,” Buratai said.

He added; “Today, we have a professionally responsive army and we have achieved a lot in many areas over the years as well as inter-agency cooperation.”

In line with the Nigerian Army tradition, the outgone army chief decorated his successor with the insignia of the office and handed the flag of office to him.

Responding, the new COAS pledged to sustain the giant stride of Nigerian Army under Buratai, adding that he considered himself lucky to have been given the opportunity to succeed the outgone general.

Earlier, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Lt. General Lamidi Adeosun said the former CoAS came, saw and conquered, adding that working with Buratai was a rewarding experience.

Lt. Gen. Adeosun, while extolling the virtues of Buratai, said he had achieved so much for Nigerian Army in terms of operational efficiency, personnel welfare and establishment of new units and formations.

He said the army under Buratai had also progressed well in the area of research and development, especially in the area of manufacturing of hardware locally.

Adeosun expressed the confidence that the new army chief had what it would take to carry on with the big show left by his predecessor.

The pulling out parade for Lt. Gen. Buratai will take place on Friday.