Major Shake-Up as Tinubu Sacks All Defence Chiefs, Appoints New Military Commanders Amid Coup Rumours
The changes, announced through a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, are said to be part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s national security architecture.
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Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping changes within Nigeria’s Armed Forces, announcing the replacement of key service chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, in what officials described as part of a broader effort to reinforce national security and restore public confidence in the military.
News Week Nigeria reports that the announcement was made through a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
The new appointments, which take immediate effect, mark one of the most significant overhauls of Nigeria’s defence leadership since President Tinubu assumed office.
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New Defence Leadership Announced
According to the presidential statement, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Musa.
Other senior appointments include:
- Major-General W. Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
- Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
- Rear Admiral I. Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
Meanwhile, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye will continue in his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), maintaining continuity in the military’s intelligence operations.
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Tinubu Expresses Appreciation to Outgoing Service Chiefs
The President, through his media adviser, expressed appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for what he described as their “patriotic service, sacrifice, and dedication to national duty.”
“President Tinubu thanks the outgoing service chiefs for their unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring stability during a challenging period. He urges the new military leaders to justify the confidence reposed in them by enhancing professionalism, discipline, and unity within the Armed Forces,” Dare stated.
Appointments Take Immediate Effect
All the new appointments are effective immediately, and the newly appointed officers are expected to assume their respective commands without delay.
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The development follows weeks of speculation over possible changes in the military hierarchy amid internal assessments of security operations across the country.
Part of Ongoing National Security Reforms
Presidential sources said the changes were part of President Tinubu’s continuing effort to realign Nigeria’s defence strategy, improve inter-agency coordination, and accelerate the ongoing reforms within the Armed Forces.
The move also comes amid public calls for a more robust response to insurgency, banditry, and cross-border security challenges. The President is said to have emphasized competence, experience, and regional balance in the latest round of appointments.
Public Reaction and Context
While official sources dismissed insinuations linking the reshuffle to alleged coup rumours circulating on social media, security analysts note that leadership changes of this magnitude are routine and often follow comprehensive performance reviews by the Presidency and the National Security Council.
Observers say the new team faces the immediate task of boosting troop morale, modernising defence logistics, and deepening collaboration with regional partners to address Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.
