President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the replacement of Nigeria’s service chiefs in what government officials describe as a major step to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and re-energize the armed forces.
The sweeping changes, announced on Thursday night through a statement from the Presidency, take immediate effect.
Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede has been named Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major General W. Shaibu becomes the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as the Chief of Air Staff (CAS). Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been appointed the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).
However, Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).
According to the statement, President Tinubu’s decision was taken “in furtherance of efforts to strengthen the national security framework and ensure more effective coordination of military operations across the country.”
The development marks one of the most extensive military reorganizations since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, reflecting both strategic and political undertones amid Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency in the Northeast, armed banditry in the Northwest, farmer-herder conflicts in the North Central, and separatist agitations in the Southeast.
The Presidency said the move underscores Tinubu’s resolve to “inject fresh ideas and leadership into the armed forces to confront emerging security threats.”
Sources within the Defence Headquarters hinted that the reshuffle follows recent intelligence reviews and internal assessments aimed at repositioning the military for greater efficiency.
The changes come amid reports of a discreet investigation into alleged disloyalty and coup-related activities within the armed forces, although the government has not officially linked the new appointments to those developments.
President Tinubu is expected to meet with the newly appointed service chiefs in the coming days to outline fresh directives and set new operational goals for the nation’s defence sector.
Analysts say the appointments signal a renewed determination by the Commander-in-Chief to assert civilian control, rebuild confidence, and ensure accountability within the military hierarchy.
The newly appointed chiefs are to assume duties immediately and are expected to undergo Senate confirmation as stipulated by law
