In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture amid persistent internal and regional threats, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has overhauled the nation’s military leadership, appointing a new set of Service Chiefs to head the Armed Forces.
The President named General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa, who has served in that capacity since June 2023.
Major-General W. Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas becomes the new Chief of Naval Staff, even as Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
The appointments, announced on Friday through a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, take immediate effect.
President Tinubu commended the outgoing Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” while urging the new military helmsmen to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating renewed professionalism, vigilance, and unity across the Armed Forces.
The sweeping changes come at a time when Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central, separatist violence in the South-East, and oil theft and piracy in the Niger Delta.
Analysts say the shake-up signals Tinubu’s intent to recalibrate the security command structure as part of broader reforms to restore confidence in the military and bolster coordination among security agencies
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has made national security a central pillar of his administration, pledging to overhaul the nation’s defence strategy, modernize military hardware, and improve welfare for personnel. His latest appointments reflect what many observers see as a generational shift, as younger officers rise to top positions amid efforts to inject fresh energy into the military hierarchy.
General Olufemi Oluyede, the new Chief of Defence Staff, is known within military circles as a strategic thinker with vast experience in counterinsurgency operations.
He previously served in key command and staff positions, including at the Defence Headquarters and multinational peacekeeping missions.
Major-General W. Shaibu, the new Army Chief, has extensive operational experience in the fight against insurgency in the North-East, while Air Vice Marshal Aneke brings years of expertise in air operations and logistics. Rear Admiral Abbas is regarded as a disciplined naval strategist with deep understanding of maritime security, a critical concern as Nigeria seeks to protect its oil assets and combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
The reorganization of the Service Chiefs marks Tinubu’s latest move to assert control over the country’s security apparatus following recent intelligence and operational reviews. It also comes as Nigeria prepares for a major regional counterterrorism push under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework, with Abuja expected to play a leading role.
By reshaping the top command, President Tinubu appears to be sending a clear message: the era of complacency is over.
The administration expects measurable improvements in security outcomes, better synergy among the forces, and a renewed sense of purpose across the military ranks.
As Nigeria faces complex 21st-century security threats, the new Service Chiefs now bear the heavy responsibility of turning policy pronouncements into concrete results, restoring peace, protecting citizens, and reaffirming the nation’s faith in its Armed Forces.
