President Bola Tinubu has reshuffled Nigeria’s military leadership, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa.
The President also named 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. Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retained his position.
The announcement, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Public Communication, Sunday Dare, emphasised that the changes aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.
“The President expresses profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and leadership,” the statement read.
“The newly appointed Service Chiefs are charged to justify the confidence reposed in them by enhancing professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, ” the statement added.
General Oluyede, who became Chief of Army Staff last year following the death of General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, now assumed the top military role.
The outgoing chiefs, including General Musa, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, had overseen key operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits since June 2023.
Although the previous leadership achieved notable successes, rising security challenges across the country have prompted calls for new strategies and leadership.
All appointments take immediate effect.
