The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports that the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sa’ad Ola Ibrahim, had indicated his intention to voluntarily retire.
At a briefing yesterday, the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Chris Olukolade, said there was no truth in the report.
Olukolade said: “The Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, has not, under any circumstances, sought or asked for the permission of the President to voluntarily retire from service as reported by the national newspapers and online reporters.
“These media outfits did not bother to check for facts before embarking on this dangerous sensational report, which is capable of inciting insecurity in the country.
“This is most unfortunate, especially as it went on to paint a scenario that portrays power struggle within the services, apparently to undermine the leadership of the Armed Forces.
“Admiral Ibrahim remains committed to serving the nation to the best of his ability in his capacity as the Chief of Defence Staff of the most vibrant Armed Forces of sub-Sahara Africa.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby clarified that the CDS has not tendered any such notice; neither is he ill as claimed in the spurious reports.”
The spokesman said the CDS was in the United Kingdom last week.
According to him, the Defence Chief is in Cote D’Ivoire on an official assignment.
Olukolade allayed fears over repeated attacks by Boko Haram in the North, saying the sect is on the final stage of the battle.
He said the defeat of the sect is imminent, adding that the threat of the sect’s activities in the Southwest had been curtailed.
“What we are witnessing from Boko Haram is a kind of desperation.
“There is a saying that the battle is hottest when it is about to an end.
“This shows this is the last fight by the Boko Haram.
“From the way they have been working and the expectation from the headquarters, the fight against terrorism is coming to an end.
“Whatever that is happening, the end to terrorism has come in Nigeria.”
