President Bola Tinubu has approved major changes in Nigeria’s security leadership, appointing new Service Chiefs in what the Presidency described as an effort to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
A statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, announced that General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
Also appointed were 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. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
“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 in part.
President Tinubu charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, vigilance, and camaraderie in the discharge of their duties.
This latest reshuffle comes amid continued security challenges across Nigeria, including insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and secessionist tensions in parts of the Southeast.
It also follows recent reports of alleged unrest within the military. Earlier this month, the Defence Headquarters dismissed a media report suggesting that some officers had been detained over an alleged coup plot. The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, described the report as false and “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” clarifying that the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade was purely administrative.
The Presidency maintained that the latest appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s security framework and ensure effective coordination among the armed forces.
