President Bola Tinubu has announced a major shake-up in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, replacing several key service chiefs in what the Presidency described as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s national security architecture.
The announcement was made on Friday in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, titled “Tinubu Changes Service Chiefs.” According to the statement, the new appointments take immediate effect.
General Olufemi Oluyede has been named the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu takes over as Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke has been appointed Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as Chief of Naval Staff, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
The President expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs for their patriotic service, commitment, and leadership during their tenure. He also charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by promoting professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.
The changes come amid renewed government efforts to tackle Nigeria’s complex security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, oil theft in the South-South, and separatist tensions in the South-East. Analysts have described the reshuffle as a strategic move by President Tinubu to refresh the nation’s security leadership and inject new energy into ongoing operations.
The newly appointed service chiefs are expected to bring a renewed focus on intelligence coordination, inter-agency collaboration, and improved response to emerging threats across the country.
