President Bola Tinubu has dismissed several top military officials in what the Presidency describes as a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s national security framework.
The shake-up, announced through Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, takes immediate effect.
General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu now serves as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke assumes the role of Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas becomes Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.
According to the statement, “President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.”
The announcement underscores the administration’s renewed focus on boosting professionalism, coordination, and intelligence within the armed forces.
Tinubu expressed his appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for their dedication and leadership, noting that their contributions laid the groundwork for ongoing defence reforms.
He urged the newly appointed officers to “uphold the confidence placed in them by strengthening professionalism, vigilance, and teamwork across the armed forces.”
The reshuffle comes amid rising security challenges across Nigeria, from insurgency in the northeast to banditry in the northwest.
Tinubu’s latest military appointments signal an effort to realign command structures and deliver more coordinated security outcomes nationwide.
