President Bola Tinubu has carried out major reshuffles within the Nigerian Armed Forces, signalling a strategic overhaul at the highest levels of military leadership in the country. This decisive move comes as part of the administration’s broader effort to reinforce national security and ensure operational efficiency across all branches of the armed forces.
The announcement was officially communicated through a statement issued by Mr Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, highlighting the government’s intent to instill renewed discipline and cohesion in the military hierarchy.
New Defence Chiefs Appointed
According to the statement, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, taking over from General Christopher Musa. This change is viewed by analysts as a strategic step aimed at bringing fresh perspectives and leadership to the apex of the nation’s military command structure.
Alongside this key appointment, Major-General W. Shaibu has been named Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke assumes the role of Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been appointed as the new Chief of Naval Staff. These appointments reflect a comprehensive reshuffling intended to strengthen inter-service coordination and operational effectiveness in tackling security threats across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye will continue to serve as the Chief of Defence Intelligence, ensuring continuity in intelligence operations critical to national security and strategic planning.
President Commends Outgoing Officers
In his statement, President Tinubu acknowledged and commended the outgoing Service Chiefs, praising their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” throughout their tenure. He stressed that their contributions have been significant in maintaining stability and security during challenging periods for the nation.
The President further urged the newly appointed officers to honour the trust vested in them by demonstrating exceptional professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to upholding national unity, safeguarding citizens, and addressing emerging security challenges efficiently and effectively.
He emphasised the importance of disciplined, alert, and cohesive armed forces capable of responding to evolving threats across Nigeria, noting that the country’s security architecture must continually adapt to meet complex challenges in a rapidly changing security landscape.
Appointments Take Immediate Effect
The statement confirmed that all new appointments are effective immediately, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the restructuring within the Nigerian Armed Forces. Observers view these moves as a proactive measure by President Tinubu to enhance operational synergy among the services, strengthen intelligence coordination, and boost the overall preparedness of the military to respond to internal and external threats.
Experts and security analysts have welcomed the appointments, noting that the changes could signal a new era of strategic direction, accountability, and improved efficiency within Nigeria’s defence institutions. The reshuffle is widely interpreted as a critical step in reinforcing the government’s commitment to national security and demonstrating strong leadership in addressing the country’s ongoing security challenges.