The Presidency has dismissed speculation linking President Bola Tinubu’s sweeping replacement of Nigeria’s service chiefs to an alleged coup plot, insisting the reshuffle was a strategic move to strengthen the armed forces and improve efficiency.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the president acted strictly within his constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief.

“Service chiefs serve at the pleasure of the President. He has the authority to hire and fire them,” Onanuga said.

The changes, announced on Friday, saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu became Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke the new Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas was named Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retained his position.

President Tinubu urged the new service chiefs to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, and unity in confronting Nigeria’s mounting security challenges.

No Coup, Just a New Direction

The shake-up came just a week after an online publication, Sahara Reporters, alleged a failed coup attempt involving detained officers — a report quickly dismissed by the Defence Headquarters as false.

Spokesman Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau said the parade’s Independence Day cancellation, which fuelled the rumour, was “purely administrative.”

Despite these clarifications, whispers of unease in military circles persisted. But Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, said the move was simply a leadership refresh.

“This is not a reaction to any coup rumour. The President wants to inject new direction, vision, and energy into the armed forces,” Ajayi explained.

He said the decision followed two years of continuous service under the previous chiefs and aligned with Tinubu’s wider agenda to restore stability in the North-East, North-West, and South-East.

Ajayi also pointed out that security spending, which has dominated national budgets for 15 years, must begin yielding visible results. “The President wants to address the imbalance so that funds can be redirected to infrastructure, education, healthcare, and power,” he said.

More Generals Likely to Go

The new appointments will lead to the retirement of no fewer than 60 generals — a necessary outcome of the military hierarchy.

Sources said officers from the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Courses 38, 39, and parts of 40 may be affected.

A senior officer confirmed that “the newly appointed service chiefs will soon be decorated, and their seniors in service will exit in line with military tradition.”

The move, though disruptive in the short term, is seen as standard practice to maintain discipline and order within the ranks.

Public and Expert Reactions

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) urged the President to publicly explain the rationale behind the mass shake-up to prevent speculation.

“Such sweeping changes could unsettle the ranks if not properly justified,” said ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi, warning that the secrecy could fuel conspiracy theories.

Security experts, however, are divided. Retired Army legal officer Col. Yomi Dare welcomed the decision, describing it as a morale booster.

“Leadership renewal is healthy. The new chiefs should build on the achievements of their predecessors,” he said.

Former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor warned that leadership changes alone may not solve Nigeria’s security problems.

“Even with the highest defence budget, unless the funds are effectively used, there will be no impact,” he cautioned.

Analyst Akogun-Abudu Oluwamayowa added that welfare and border control remain weak spots. “Our security challenges go beyond personnel. Structural issues must be fixed,” he said.

A statement by presidential aide Sunday Dare described the military reshuffle as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the national security architecture. The presidency also praised outgoing officers for their “patriotic service and dedication.”