5 facts you didn't know about new COAS Major-General Attahiru

Attahiru was fired over his failure to capture the leader of the Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari announced new service chiefs on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, in a bid to loosen the grip of the terrorist group, Boko Haram in the North and other parts of the country.

While the move was applauded by many, others have raised concerns over the appointment of Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Reason being that in 2017, Attahiru was fired by his predecessor, Tukur Buratai for his failure to capture the leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Abubakar Shekau. He was at the time, the theatre commander of the joint task force.

Below are some facts you didn't know about him.

1. Attahiru has served as a commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the special military unit formed to deal with insurgents in Northeast Nigeria.

2. Before his latest appointment, the new NA chief headed the 82 Division of the force.

3. He had the rare opportunity to spearhead the offensive against Boko Haram in the North-East in 2017.

4. Attahiru was sacked in 2017 after attacks characterized by bombings from the terrorists increased.

5. After his sack from the position, Attahiru was replaced with another general, Nicholas Rogers