President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping shake-up in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs in what the Presidency described as a move to further strengthen the country’s security architecture.
In the new appointments announced on Thursday, General Olufemi Oluyede was named Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
Also appointed were 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.
A statement issued by the Presidential Villa said President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” acknowledging their contributions to peace and stability across the nation.
The President charged the newly appointed military leaders to “justify the confidence reposed in them by enhancing professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
The reshuffle comes just weeks after reports emerged that 20 soldiers, including a Brigadier-General, were arrested for allegedly plotting a coup against the Tinubu administration, a development that has heightened focus on loyalty and internal discipline within the military.
