President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s national security architecture.
In a decisive move aimed at reinvigorating the military, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa, who has held the position since June 2023.
Major-General W. Shaibu has been named the new Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been appointed Chief of Naval Staff, completing a comprehensive reorganization across the service branches.
According to a statement issued from the State House on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will retain his position.
President Tinubu, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs, especially General Christopher Musa, for what he described as their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” during a critical period in the nation’s security challenges.
He lauded their contributions toward sustaining military operations across various theatres of conflict, commending their professionalism and commitment to national peace and stability.
The President charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them, urging them to exhibit greater professionalism, vigilance, and unity in the discharge of their duties.
Tinubu emphasized that the new military leadership must consolidate on recent gains in internal security operations while intensifying efforts against insurgency, banditry, and other threats undermining national cohesion.
The appointments, which take immediate effect, are seen as part of Tinubu’s broader reforms to reposition the nation’s security institutions for better coordination and responsiveness.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces with the resources and morale required to protect the nation’s sovereignty and ensure lasting peace across all regions.
