Tinubu Reshuffles Service Chiefs, Appoints New Military Leaders
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in the Nigerian military hierarchy, appointing new Service Chiefs in a move aimed at further strengthening the nation’s security architecture. The announcement, which came through a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, marks another defining moment in the administration’s drive to reposition the Armed Forces for greater efficiency and coordination.
New Appointments in the Armed Forces
According to the statement, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu now serves as the Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshall S.K. Aneke assumes the position of Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been named Chief of Naval Staff.
In a notable continuity decision, Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence. All appointments, Akahi News gathered, take immediate effect.
President Tinubu, while announcing the changes, expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership. He charged the new military heads to justify the confidence reposed in them by upholding professionalism, discipline, and the unity of purpose that define Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
Strengthening National Security
Akahi News learnt that the latest appointments are in line with President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms to strengthen national security, enhance inter-agency cooperation, and boost operational capacity in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other internal threats.
The Presidency described the move as “part of a broader framework to ensure strategic alignment within the defence establishment and reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.”
A source close to the Presidency told Akahi News that the decision was carefully considered after consultations with defence experts and intelligence analysts who highlighted the need for “a fresh operational approach” in addressing evolving security challenges across the country.
Historical Context and Previous Shake-Up
This is not the first time President Tinubu has made sweeping changes in the military leadership. Akahi News recalls that on June 19, 2023, the President had approved the retirement of all Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Comptroller-General of Customs as part of his first major military reshuffle.
That decision, at the time, was aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s security structure amid mounting insecurity in the North-East, the North-West, and the South-East regions. It also reflected Tinubu’s commitment to injecting new energy and ideas into the nation’s defence system.
Coup Rumours and Military Response
Meanwhile, Akahi News reports that the Nigerian military has recently been in the news over rumours of an alleged coup attempt. These speculations, which circulated earlier in October, suggested that some military officers were plotting to overthrow the Tinubu administration — a claim that was swiftly denied by the Defence Headquarters.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, dismissed the rumours as baseless and politically motivated. He clarified that the detention of some officers was unrelated to any coup attempt, stressing that the Armed Forces remain committed to democracy and constitutional governance.
According to Gusau, the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade, which some reports linked to the alleged coup plot, was purely administrative and intended to allow the President attend a bilateral engagement abroad while troops continued ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry.
Looking Ahead
With the new appointments now in effect, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the reshuffled leadership addresses persistent challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping, and communal violence. Analysts who spoke to Akahi News noted that the new team faces a daunting but critical task — rebuilding trust among citizens and enhancing collaboration between the military and civilian populations.
President Tinubu’s directive to the Service Chiefs underscores the urgency of delivering visible results in national security management. As Akahi News observes, this latest development could signal the beginning of a new strategic phase in Nigeria’s defence policy.
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