President Bola Tinubu has approved sweeping changes in Nigeria’s military leadership, signalling a renewed drive to strengthen the country’s security apparatus.
In a statement on Friday, Sunday Dare, the president’s special adviser on media and public communication, announced that General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
Major General W. Shaibu becomes the Chief of Army Staff, while Air Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff. Vice Admiral I. Abbas assumes duty as Chief of Naval Staff, with E.A.P. Undiendeye retaining his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
According to Dare, the appointments take immediate effect, reflecting Tinubu’s “renewed push to reposition the military and enhance coordination among the armed forces.”
The president expressed appreciation to the outgoing chiefs for their service, urging the new appointees to “justify the confidence reposed in them by deepening professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship.”
This marks Tinubu’s second major military reshuffle since assuming office in May 2023. The changes come amid growing public pressure for improved security as Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, and violent crime across multiple regions.
Oluyede’s background in joint operations and counterterrorism is seen as pivotal to Tinubu’s security strategy, which aims to inject new energy into the armed forces.
While outgoing defence chief Musa and his team recorded notable gains against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits, persistent attacks in some areas had intensified calls for a leadership overhaul.
