President Bola Tinubu has announced a sweeping reshuffle within the nation’s military leadership, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
The changes mark another major step in the administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and enhance coordination among the armed forces.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President also approved the appointment of 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. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will continue in his current position.
The statement described the appointments as part of Tinubu’s ongoing push to fortify national defence and improve inter-service cooperation. “The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” it read.
It further stated that President Tinubu has tasked the newly appointed Service Chiefs with upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and unity within the military. “The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement added.
All appointments, according to the Presidency, take immediate effect.
General Oluyede, the new Chief of Defence Staff, had only recently taken over as Chief of Army Staff following the passing of General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja last year. His elevation to the top military position underscores the President’s confidence in his leadership and operational experience within the Army.
What You Should Know
General Olufemi Oluyede’s rise to the position of Chief of Defence Staff reflects a rapid and distinguished military trajectory shaped by years of strategic command experience.
His appointment comes at a time when Nigeria faces persistent security challenges across several regions, from insurgency in the northeast to banditry and kidnapping in the northwest.
President Tinubu’s decision to overhaul the service hierarchy signals a renewed emphasis on military efficiency, coordination, and leadership stability aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s security apparatus.
