President Tinubu dismisses Gen. Musa, appoints Gen. Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, and names new Army, Air, and Naval Chiefs in major military restructuring.
DefenceLeadershipShakeUp has taken center stage as President Bola Tinubu dismissed General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and approved the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede as his replacement, signaling a major restructuring in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
According to a State House statement, the president also announced new appointments across the military hierarchy:
- Major-General W. Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
- Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
- Rear Admiral I. Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retained his position.
Presidential Commendation and Directive
President Tinubu commended the outgoing Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership, acknowledging their contributions to national security and stability.
He urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them, emphasizing the need for professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.
The directive takes immediate effect, according to Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, who signed the official announcement.
Implications of the Shake-Up
The leadership overhaul marks one of the most significant military changes under Tinubu’s administration, aimed at reinvigorating defence strategy and enhancing inter-service coordination amid ongoing security challenges across the country.
Observers believe the appointments reflect the president’s intent to strengthen operational efficiency and restore public confidence in the Armed Forces’ capacity to combat insurgency, banditry, and other internal threats.