Following
the promotions and postings of 27 major generals by the Nigerian Army Council,
indications have emerged that the Army authorities have issued terminal letters
to 30 generals, preparatory to their leaving the force between today, 31st
December and 31st January 2014.
Among
the generals that have so far received the letters are some principal staff
officers at army and defence headquarters, commandants of tri-service
institutions, corps-commanders, as well as those of Army-owned training
institutions.
Nigerian
Tribune gathered from authoritative military sources that while some of the
generals have served the mandatory 35 years in service, others have been caught
up by the age on rank requirement for retirement and some have become not
promotable by virtue of the fact that they have not been successful with the
promotion boards for the three scheduled opportunities.
On
why such large number of generals would be allowed to leave service, even after
President Goodluck Jonathan had, in the past, reiterated the need to keep these
officers that cost the nation colossal amount of money to train, the source
said; “Yes, the services of the officers would still be needed by the Army, but
it will be in a different capacity.”
According
to the military source, the top hierarchy of the armed forces is heavy and if
the terms and conditions of service are not followed, the young officers will
not get to the top too.
“For
the sake of ensuring that the top of the service is not too heavy, thereby
hindering deserved promotions and movement (postings) of officers with new
ideas and innovations, these officers (retirees) have to be retired in line
with the Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS).”
The
source also disclosed that the ever dynamic internal security outburst
spearheaded by the Boko Haram debacle, threats of kidnapping, armed robbery and
renewed banditry along the nation’s border areas are also areas the army
intends to pay more attention in the coming year.
“Towards
this end, tested and highly trained officers who have garnered both local and
international experiences, will not just be discarded. Their services will be
required in strategic planning, training and support in dealing with moves
aimed at containing and curtailing the myriads of security challenges facing
the nation,” it was gathered.
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