Nigeria Fires Defense Chiefs as Boko Haram Attacks Intensify

Reporter II July 13, 2015

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Former General and Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, arrives for his Inauguration at the eagle square in Abuja, Nigeria, Friday, May 29, 2015. Nigerians celebrated their newly reinforced democracy Friday, dancing and singing songs at the inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari, the first candidate to beat a sitting president at the polls. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Nigerian former Gen. Muhammadu Buhari speaks moments after he was presented with a certificate to show he won the election in Abuja, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat to Buhari, a 72-year-old former military dictator, who was elected in a historic transfer of power following the nation's most hotly contested election ever. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) — Nigerian former Gen. Muhammadu Buhari speaks moments after he was presented with a certificate to show he won the election in Abuja, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Paul Wallace and Yinka Ibukun, BLOOMBERG

LAGOS, Nigeria (Bloomberg) — Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari replaced the heads of the army, navy and air force on Monday as the country endures the worst period of violence by Islamist insurgents since he came to power six weeks ago.

Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin will take over as Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General T.Y. Buratai will be the next Chief of Army Staff, and Babagana Monguno, a former major-general, was named as National Security Adviser, Femi Adesina, a spokesman for Buhari, said in a statement.

Attacks by militants have intensified in recent weeks. At least 14 people were killed on Saturday by suspected Boko Haram fighters in the northeast. Bombings in the cities of Jos and Zaria killed nearly 70 people in the past 10 days.

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