The defence headquarters has denied reports of mass retirement in the Nigerian army following the appointment of Farouk Yahaya as chief of army staff.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Bernard Onyeuko, DHQ spokesperson, said the military headquarters has not authorised any retirement caused by Farouk’s appointment.
Yahaya, a major general (pictured), was appointed as army chief to succeed Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in a plane crash in May.
His appointment stirred a lot of controversies because his seniors are still in active service.
There were also reports that many generals — who are of course 35 and 36 — would be forced to retire to pave way for the new army chief, who is of course 37.
But addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Onyeuko said not a single army officer has retired because of Yahaya’s appointment.
“At this point, you are all aware of the appointment of the new chief of army staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya,” NAN quoted him to have said.
“This has stirred up a lot of rumours in the media about mass retirements in the military.
“I wish to use this medium to dispel such unfounded rumours as retirement is only on a voluntary basis for senior officers who desire to do so.
“At this point, no retirements have been authorised by the military high command.”
Some of the officers said to have retired are from southern Nigeria including Benjamin Ahanotu, chief of policy and plan at the army headquarters who is from Anambra state.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
