President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, along with other top military commanders, in a sweeping shake-up of the nation’s security leadership.
A statement issued by the Presidency on Friday announced that the changes take immediate effect, marking one of the most significant overhauls of the military under Tinubu’s administration. The President named General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing Musa, who had held the position since June 2023.
In the same announcement, Major General W. Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke became Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas was named Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retained his position.
According to the statement signed by the President’s media adviser, the move is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture and improve coordination among the armed forces.
The decision comes amid escalating security challenges across the country, including worsening insurgency in the North-East, rampant banditry and kidnappings in the North-West, and continued separatist agitations in the South-East. There have also been recent speculations of unease within the military ranks following reports of alleged coup plots—claims the government has publicly dismissed.
Analysts say the move signals Tinubu’s intent to reassert control over the security establishment and inject fresh momentum into the fight against terrorism and violent crime. It is also seen as a bid to reinforce loyalty within the armed forces and restore public confidence in their operations.
The President, in the statement, expressed appreciation to the outgoing chiefs for their service to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours.
General Musa’s tenure as Defence Chief saw continued counter-insurgency campaigns and joint operations across conflict zones but also growing criticism over persistent insecurity and internal displacements.
The new service chiefs are expected to assume office immediately and begin implementing new strategies to enhance military efficiency, intelligence coordination, and troop morale.
Friday’s reshuffle underscores Tinubu’s resolve to recalibrate Nigeria’s security leadership at a time of mounting national and regional instability.
