Colonel David Attard has handed in his resignation, weeks after becoming the commandant of the Safi Detention Centre, sources confirmed with this portal.

Col Attard stepped down after having served the army for 25 years, however his resignation comes after the government decided to transfer him to the Safi Detention Centre last month, according to sources.

Col Attard was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1988 and graduated from infantry colleges in Italy and the United States. 

He was appointed Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta on March 1, 2010 and also served as platoon commander with 1 Regiment and later commanded 'C' Special Duties Company.

The Safi Detention Centre is by far the largest detention centre for migrants in Malta.