Army Denies Promoting Al Mustapha

The authorities of the Nigerian Army have denied reports in some national dailies and online portals announcing plans by the Army to promote and decorate Major Hamzat al-Mustapha with the rank of a Brigadier General.

A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Ibrahim Attahiru, yesterday said there was no truth in the report.

Gen. Attahiru said all administrative procedures in respect of the Army are guided by extant administrative rules and guidelines covering the entire Nigerian Armed Forces.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to an erroneous publication being circulated on the Internet about the decoration of the former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza al- Mustapha with the rank of a Brigadier General following his recent acquittal by the court.

“The Nigerian Army as a professional force wishes to state that all administrative procedures are guided by extant administrative rules and regulations, such as the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service amongst others.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to advise the media to always cross check facts before going to the press, to avoid misinformation, misrepresentation and sensationalism in its reportage.”