Nigerian Army Officer Alleges Promotion Blocked Over Local Dispute
Colonel Audu Ogli Achigili, a senior Nigerian Army officer with decades of service at home and abroad, has accused top military officials of deliberately frustrating his promotion to Brigadier General, despite the Army Council’s approval in 2023. He described the situation as both “painful” and “infuriating,” linking it to a local land dispute in his home community in Benue State.
Col. Achigili has held numerous command positions across Nigeria and international missions. He recounted commanding the 82 Records Office in Abakaliki for three years, 73 Battalion in Kano, and Nigerian Battalion 38 (NIBATT 38) under the United Nations Mission in Liberia in 2017.
“I also commanded Sector 3 Garrison in the North East during Operation Hardin Kai for two years, fighting relentlessly to protect civilians. I participated in Operation Harmony (IV) in the Bakassi Peninsula from 1998 to 2000, and served in the African Union Mission in Darfur from 2006 to 2007,” he said.
Col. Achigili further highlighted his role in restoring order during the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) crisis in Lagos in 2001, when Bola Tinubu, now Nigeria’s President, was the state governor. He narrowly survived a bomb blast at the Ikeja cantonment during the operations.
“For my unblemished service, I have received several awards from the Nigerian Army,” he added. “In 2023, the Army Council approved my promotion to Brigadier General, yet it has still not been conferred on me.”
Alleged Interference by Local Leaders
The officer alleges that the stalled promotion stems from interference by the clan head of Oglewu community, who he claims influenced former Military Secretary Maj. Gen. Gabriel Ochigbano (retired) to block his elevation over a land dispute. Col. Achigili said attempts to advance in rank have repeatedly favored “godsons” rather than officers based on merit.
He criticized a perceived decline in leadership standards within the military, noting that former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retired) prioritized the welfare of field officers, while some of his superiors now issue retirement directives prematurely, undermining integrity. He appealed for intervention to ensure his promotion is effected before compulsory retirement.
Concerns Over Promotion Practices and Officer Morale
Col. Achigili also raised concerns about recent promotions from Brigadier General to Major General, claiming they overlooked seniority and merit. He pointed out that members of the Nigerian Defence Academy 41st Regular Course were largely sidelined, with only two officers promoted—one of whom is deceased.
He accused some officers benefiting from “godfatherism” of avoiding conflict zones, receiving top benefits, and holding comfortable postings while combat-experienced officers are overlooked. He criticized the elevation of education officers over combat officers, arguing that the quality of education in military schools has declined, with many soldiers sending their children to private institutions outside the barracks.
“For instance, members of the 41st course were ignored in favor of their juniors, even though they are highly competent officers,” he said. “These practices challenge loyalty and undermine professionalism. Many beneficiaries of the system are rarely deployed to the field but still receive preferential treatment.”
Col. Achigili warned that continuing such practices could weaken the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness and called for reforms to ensure promotions reflect merit and service rather than influence.
