The Army Council has approved the promotion of 108 senior officers to the ranks of major generals and brigadier generals in recognition of their meritorious service to the nation.

The promotion, comprising 35 brigadier generals to the rank of major general and 73 colonels to the brigadier general, respectively, was approved at the council’s sitting on Thursday.

Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu announced this in a statement on Friday.

According to Mr Nwachukwu, those promoted to major generals are Brig.-Gen. A. Garba, acting provost marshal of the army, and Brig.-Gen. UM Alkali, the deputy chief of administration at the Directorate of Veteran Affairs.

Also promoted are Brig.-Gen. AGL Haruna, acting general officer commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 North East Operation HADIN KAI, and Brig.-Gen. IA Ajose, acting general officer commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 North West Operation FANSAN YAMA.

Others are Brig.-Gen. N.B. Ebulue, Brig.-Gen. L.G. Lepdung, Brig.-Gen. O.A. Awolo, Brig.-Gen. U.G. Ogeleka, Brig.-Gen. O.A. Fadairo, Brig.-Gen. O.D. Williams, Brig.-Gen. JR Lar, Brig.-Gen. A.G. Mahmuda, and Brig.-Gen. V.D. Beryo.

Army chief Olufemi Oluyede congratulated the newly promoted senior officers and their families, charging them to redouble their efforts to justify their elevation and the confidence reposed in them.

He tasked the newly promoted officers to lead by example and evolve “out of the box” ideas and innovations to tackle contemporary security challenges bedevilling the nation speedily.

He added that they must remain committed to the oath of allegiance to defend the nation at all times and maintain unalloyed loyalty to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

(NAN)