President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant changes in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, marking a fresh phase in the government’s drive to strengthen national security and improve coordination across the military services.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, the President named General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa, who has held the position since mid-2023.
Other new appointments include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence, providing continuity within the Defence Intelligence Agency.
All appointments, according to the statement, take immediate effect.
A New Leadership Direction
President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed his deep appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs for their dedication and years of service to the nation. He acknowledged their efforts in advancing the mission of the Armed Forces, particularly in counter-insurgency operations and regional security partnerships.
In his message, the President urged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, discipline, and unity in steering the military forward. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the trust of the Nigerian people and the loyalty of the troops under their command.
The President further called on the military hierarchy to strengthen coordination across the Army, Navy, and Air Force in order to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and respond effectively to emerging threats across the country.
The President commended General Christopher Musa and the outgoing Service Chiefs for their service and leadership during a challenging period for the nation’s security. Their tenure, marked by a focus on counter-terrorism, border patrol, and joint task operations, contributed to ongoing efforts to restore peace in affected regions.
Tinubu’s statement acknowledged their “patriotic service and steadfastness,” underscoring the government’s appreciation for their sacrifices and their contribution to national defence. The announcement drew mixed but largely positive reactions from political observers, security analysts, and civil society groups. Many see the reshuffle as a timely decision aimed at injecting fresh energy into the military hierarchy.
Security experts believe the appointments signal the President’s intention to realign the Armed Forces with emerging security realities, including renewed focus on intelligence gathering, technology-driven operations, and better coordination among the services.
Lawmakers and stakeholders in the defence sector have expressed confidence that the new leadership will continue ongoing reforms to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.
With new leadership in place, attention now turns to how the Service Chiefs will address persistent security challenges such as insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
The coming months are expected to test the ability of the new military leadership to translate the President’s directives into visible results, rebuild public confidence, and reinforce cooperation among the various security agencies.
As Nigeria faces evolving security dynamics, the appointment of General Oluyede and his team marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s defence posture and maintain stability across all regions.
