President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed several top military officers and appointed new service chiefs in a major reshuffle aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security system and enhancing the effectiveness of the armed forces.
The announcement was made on Friday in a statement issued by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication. The changes take immediate effect.
General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu has been named Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is now the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas takes over as Chief of Naval Staff. Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his current role.
According to the statement, the changes are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and ensure greater coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing service chiefs for their dedication and leadership during their tenure, and urged the newly appointed officers to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, and teamwork in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
Security analysts have described the move as a decisive step by the Tinubu administration, coming at a time when insecurity continues to affect parts of the country, including the North-West, North-Central, and some southern states. Observers say the shake-up is designed to inject fresh energy into the military and ensure a more coordinated and effective response to threats such as insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings.
While the presidency did not provide specific reasons for the reshuffle, sources within the defence sector suggest it may be linked to performance assessments, tenure completion, and the need to reposition military leadership for improved operational outcomes.
General Oluyede, the new Chief of Defence Staff, is regarded as a highly experienced officer with a track record in peacekeeping and counterinsurgency operations. His appointment, alongside the other new service chiefs, is expected to shape the strategic direction of the armed forces in the coming months.
The outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, who has led the military since June 2023, oversaw several key operations in the North-East and North-West. His exit, along with other outgoing chiefs, marks the conclusion of a tenure that witnessed both achievements and ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s security landscape.
President Tinubu charged the new military leaders to uphold the confidence placed in them by the government and citizens, emphasizing the need for vigilance, commitment, and loyalty to the nation. He also reiterated the administration’s dedication to providing the military with the resources and institutional support needed to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens.
The shake-up comes amid the Tinubu administration’s broader strategy to reform the security sector, improve coordination among security agencies, and modernize military capabilities. The newly appointed service chiefs are expected to assume their duties immediately, signalling a renewed focus on strengthening Nigeria’s defence posture.
-
Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs, replaces Musa with Oluyede
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed several top military officers and appointed new service chiefs in a major reshuffle aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security
