President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday announced a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, sacking the service chiefs and appointing their replacements as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s national security architecture.
A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, confirmed that the changes were aimed at enhancing professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.
General Olufemi Oluyede, a former Army Chief, has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu is the new Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke assumes the role of Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas is now Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to General Musa and the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” and urged the new appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them. “All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement said.
Those relieved of their duties alongside General Musa include Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.
This marks the second significant reshuffle of the military high command since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, coming amid ongoing concerns over terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country.
General Musa and the other outgoing chiefs, who have been in office since June 2023, oversaw major operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West, recording notable operational successes despite continuing attacks that prompted calls for renewed strategy and leadership.
The timing of the shake-up also follows recent media reports suggesting a coup attempt against President Tinubu, which the Defence Headquarters denied. B
dier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, emphasised that the arrests of 16 military officers earlier this month were routine disciplinary actions linked to indiscipline and service regulation breaches.
“Upon completion of investigation, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces,” he said.
A security officer told LEADERSHIP Weekend that “their sacking is as a result of losing the loyalty of those working with them.
When a commander loses the loyalty of his men, then there is no need for him to remain the commander.”
Analysts suggest the reshuffle is part of a broader strategy to reinforce command loyalty, restore public confidence, and ensure operational cohesion within the ranks.
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Ete’ekpori Mbohon, a defence analyst, noted that the changes “could also reflect a routine strategic rotation aimed at strengthening operations against insurgency and banditry.”
The shake-up is expected to trigger retirements among senior generals, particularly members of Course 39 of the Nigerian Defence Academy, as they make way for Course 40 officers now elevated to lead the services.
Sources indicate that more than 50 senior officers may voluntarily exit to allow the new service chiefs to effectively command the Armed Forces, ensuring a smooth transition and consolidation of leadership.
The appointments underscore the President’s intent to reassert control over the military hierarchy and to ensure that the armed forces remain robust, disciplined, and responsive amid Nigeria’s security challenges.
