CHIBOK girls campaign organisation the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group has challenged the newly appointed service chiefs to justify their recent appointments by rescuing the 219 schoolgirls and crushing the Boko Haram insurgency once and for all. 

Yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari changed all of Nigeria's service chiefs in a major security shake-up. Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin became the new chief of defence staff, while Major-General Tukur Buratai was named as the chief of army staff and Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas the new chief of naval staff. 

Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar is Nigeria's the new chief of air staff, while Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan is the new chief of defence intelligence and Retired Major-General Babagana Monguno is the new national security adviser. They all assume office immediately in an acting capacity until their appointments are confirmed by the senate. 

BBOG spokesman Dr Allen Manasah expressed hope that the new service chiefs will come up with a new strategy in the fight against insurgency. He also advised the new service chiefs to be loyal to the nation and not to the administration, urging them to work diligently so that the nation will retake its place as the giant of Africa. 

Dr Manasah added: “We hope they will change the game and the dialogue. They should be able to make the insurgents know that it is not business as usual and they will have to end the blame game. 

"I pray that their loyalty will be to the nation and not to the regime. Let their characters show and let their competence be shown in their service so that we will take our place as the giant of Africa.” 

Another BBOG member, Florence Uzor who stated that the new appointment was good for democracy expressed hope that the abducted girls have a better chance of being rescued having stayed in the hands of their captors for 465 days. She added that they will continue to engage the service chiefs and suggested that they adopt global best practices relating to insurgency in addition to promoting the welfare of the Nigerian Army. 

Ms Uzor said: “Thank God that the service chiefs have been sacked. It is a good thing for democracy and we hope that with the new people on board, our Chibok girls have a better chance to be rescued.” 

She expressed the hope that they will provide results within a stipulated timeline. President Buhari also called on the generals to show utmost commitment to their new duties, adding that their nominations will be sent to the National Assembly either today or tomorrow for confirmation.