President Bola Tinubu has announced a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, replacing key Service Chiefs in what the presidency describes as part of efforts to “strengthen the national security architecture.”

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, titled “Tinubu changes Service Chiefs.”

According to the statement, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

The President also named Major-General W. Shaibu as the new 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, however, retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

National Security Recalibration

The decision marks one of the most significant command overhauls since President Tinubu took office in 2023.

It comes amid ongoing security challenges ranging from insurgency in the North-East, to rising banditry, oil theft, and secessionist agitations across parts of the country.

“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” Dare said.

Tinubu, who has consistently emphasised defence reform as a pillar of his administration, urged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to “justify the confidence reposed in them by further enhancing the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define Nigeria’s Armed Forces.”

The appointments, which take immediate effect, are seen as a signal of the President’s intent to consolidate control and introduce fresh energy into Nigeria’s military command.

The reshuffle could shape the direction of the country’s counterterrorism strategy and internal security coordination in the coming months.