Politics
All Nigeria Chief Of Army Staff Since Democracy
Since the return of democracy in Nigeria, several individuals have held the prestigious position of Chief of Army Staff, overseeing the country’s army and ensuring its efficiency.
The Chief of Army Staff is a key figure in Nigeria’s chain of command. This position reports directly to the Chief of Defence Staff, who in turn reports to the Defence Minister. Ultimately, the Defence Minister is accountable to the President of Nigeria.
The primary responsibility of the Chief of Army Staff is to develop and implement policies that aim to achieve the highest levels of national security and operational effectiveness for the Nigerian Army.
This article presents a comprehensive list of all the Nigerian Chiefs of Army Staff since the inception of democracy.
| Chief Of Army | Took Office | Left Office | Left Office | Date of Birth/Death |
| Lieutenant general Victor Malu |
May 1999 | April 2001 | 1 year, 11 months | (1947–2017) |
| Lieutenant general Alexander Ogomudia |
April 2001 | June 2003 | 2 years, 2 months | (born 1949) |
| Lieutenant general Martin Luther Agwai |
June 2003 | June 2006 | 3 years | (born 1948) |
| Lieutenant general Owoye Andrew Azazi |
1 June 2006 | May 2007 | 11 months | (1952–2012) |
| Lieutenant general Luka Yusuf |
June 2007 | August 2008 | 1 year, 3 months | (1952–2009) |
| Lieutenant general Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau |
August 2008 | September 2010 | 2 years, 1 month | born 1954 |
| Lieutenant general Azubuike Ihejirika |
September 2010 | January 2014 | 3 years, 4 months | (born 1956) |
| Lieutenant general Kenneth Minimah |
January 2014 | July 2015 | 1 year, 6 months | (born 1959) |
| Lieutenant general Tukur Yusuf Buratai |
July 2015 | January 2021 | 5 years, 6 months | (born 1960) |
| Lieutenant general Ibrahim Attahiru |
26 January 2021 | 21 May 2021 | 3 months | (1966–2021) |
| Lieutenant general Farouk Yahaya |
27 May 2021 | Incumbent | 2 years | (born 1966) |
1. Lieutenant Victor Malu (1999-2001):
General Victor Malu was appointed as the first Chief of Army Staff after Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999. He played a crucial role in the restructuring and repositioning of the Nigerian Army.
2. Lieutenant General Alexander Ogomudia (2001-2003):
Lieutenant General Alexander Ogomudia succeeded General Malu as the Chief of Army Staff. During his tenure, he focused on enhancing the army’s combat readiness and introduced reforms to improve its effectiveness.
3. Lieutenant General Martin Luther Agwai (2003-2006):
Lieutenant General Martin Luther Agwai assumed office as the Chief of Army Staff in 2003. He prioritized the training and welfare of soldiers, while also working towards addressing security challenges in various parts of the country.
4. Lieutenant General Owoye Andrew Azazi (2006-2007):
Lieutenant General Owoye Andrew Azazi served as the Chief of Army Staff for a brief period. He contributed to strengthening the army’s capabilities and strategies during his tenure.
5. Lieutenant General Luka Yusuf (2007-2008):
Lieutenant General Luka Yusuf took over as the Chief of Army Staff in 2007. He played a significant role in enhancing the professionalism and discipline within the Nigerian Army.
6. Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (2008-2010):
Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau assumed office as the Chief of Army Staff in 2008. His tenure witnessed efforts to modernize the army.
7. Lieutenant General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika (2010-2014):
Lieutenant General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika became the Chief of Army Staff in 2010. He focused on enhancing intelligence gathering, promoting human rights, and combating insurgency during his tenure.
8. Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah (2014-2015):
Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah served as the Chief of Army Staff during a crucial period when the Nigerian Army faced significant security challenges. He implemented strategies to tackle insurgency.
9. Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (2015-2021):
Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai assumed office as the Chief of Army Staff in 2015 and served for an extended period. He led the army in combating insurgency, terrorism, and other security threats, implementing numerous initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness.
10. Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru (2021-2021):
Major General Ibrahim Attahiru served as the Chief of Army Staff for a short period. He focused on the fight against insurgency and other security challenges before his untimely demise.
11. Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (2021-present):
Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya is the current Chief of Army Staff, assuming office in 2021. He is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of soldiers, enhancing professionalism, and combating security threats across Nigeria.