President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved major changes in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs in what the Presidency described as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security structure.
The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja through a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
According to the statement, the President appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa, who has held the position since June 2023.
In the new appointments, Major General W. Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke became the Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas was appointed the Chief of Naval Staff. However, E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Sunday Dare said the appointments take immediate effect.
President Tinubu, in the statement, commended the outgoing Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” during their time in office. He expressed gratitude for their contributions to national security and the unity of the country.
He also urged the new appointees to “justify the confidence reposed in them” and to uphold “the professionalism, vigilance, and unity that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
The latest reshuffle comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and rising incidents of kidnapping across several states. Analysts say the President’s decision may be aimed at injecting fresh energy and ideas into the military’s leadership as part of his broader national security reforms.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has repeatedly stated that improving security and boosting the capacity of the armed forces remain top priorities of his administration. His government has increased funding for military operations and introduced several measures to enhance inter-agency cooperation and intelligence sharing.
The appointment of Major General Oluyede as the new CDS signals a new chapter for the Armed Forces. Security experts believe he will face the tough task of sustaining ongoing military operations and ensuring better coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Meanwhile, reactions have started pouring in from different quarters. Some security analysts welcomed the changes, saying that leadership renewal in the military is healthy for operational efficiency. Others, however, urged the government to match leadership changes with concrete improvements in welfare, equipment, and strategic planning.
