President Bola Tinubu has announced a major reshuffle in Nigeria’s military leadership, appointing new Service Chiefs in what the Presidency described as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the changes are aimed at reinforcing the national security framework.
The statement, titled “Tinubu Changes Service Chiefs,” confirmed the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Other appointments include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.
“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” the statement read.
Tinubu urged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by enhancing professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces. All appointments take immediate effect.
This marks the second major military reshuffle under Tinubu’s administration. In June 2023, the President approved the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Comptroller-General of Customs as part of a broader effort to reposition Nigeria’s security leadership amid ongoing insurgency, banditry, and secessionist tensions.
The latest development comes shortly after reports of an alleged coup plot involving some military personnel sparked nationwide concern. Senior lawyers, civil society groups, and retired generals had warned against any attempt to undermine democracy.
Responding to the claims, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, dismissed the report by Sahara Reporters linking the detention of 16 military officers to a failed coup. He described the story as false and “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
Gusau explained that the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade, which the report tied to the alleged coup, was purely administrative. He added that the decision allowed President Tinubu to attend a bilateral meeting abroad while enabling troops to sustain ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the country.
ADEOLA KUNLE
