President Bola Tinubu has appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as Nigeria’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Christopher Musa, in a sweeping reshuffle aimed at strengthening the country’s military leadership and reinforcing its national security framework.
The announcement, made through a State House statement on Friday, marks a strategic reorganisation of the Armed Forces’ top command. President Tinubu said the appointments were “in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.”
He also expressed “most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service, and dedicated leadership.”
General Olufemi Oluyede’s Military Journey
Born in 1968 and hailing from Ikere in Ekiti State, General Olufemi Oluyede’s career spans nearly four decades of military service. A member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he was commissioned as a second-lieutenant in 1992 (retroactive to 1987).
Over the years, Oluyede has held several command and staff positions, including Platoon Commander at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade, Commandant of the Amphibious Training School, and Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, where he oversaw counter-insurgency operations in the North East under Operation HADIN KAI.
He has also participated in international peacekeeping missions, notably with the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia and Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi.
Promoted to Major-General in September 2020, Oluyede’s distinguished service has earned him several honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Field Command Medal, Field Training Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
Married with three children, General Oluyede is expected to coordinate the strategic operations of the Army, Navy and Air Force, a crucial task amid Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Other Newly Appointed Service Chiefs
W. Shaibu — Chief of Army Staff
Major-General W. Shaibu, the new Chief of Army Staff, is a seasoned infantry officer known for his operational acumen and leadership in the field. He previously served as Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, where he led counter-insurgency campaigns in the North East. Shaibu has commanded several army formations and spearheaded multiple internal security operations across the country, earning respect for his discipline and tactical command.
S.K. Aneke — Chief of Air Staff
Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke assumes office as the new Chief of Air Staff. With extensive experience in logistics, air mobility, and operations strategy, Aneke has previously held leadership positions in the Air Force’s Mobility Command and Operations Directorate. His appointment signals a renewed focus on modernising Nigeria’s air fleet and boosting the nation’s aerial defence capabilities.
I. Abbas — Chief of Naval Staff
Rear Admiral I. Abbas becomes the new Chief of Naval Staff. A veteran of maritime security and naval intelligence, Abbas has served in key roles protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters and combating piracy and illegal maritime activities. He is expected to lead the Navy in improving coastal defence, securing oil infrastructure, and maintaining security across the Gulf of Guinea.
E.A.P. Undiendeye — Chief of Defence Intelligence
Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence. From Bedia in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Undiendeye has been instrumental in coordinating Nigeria’s defence intelligence framework and enhancing inter-agency collaboration in counter-terrorism. His continued tenure provides stability and continuity in the country’s intelligence operations.
A New Era in Defence Leadership
The new defence team, led by General Oluyede, is expected to work in synergy to enhance professionalism, vigilance and unity across the Armed Forces.
In his directive, President Tinubu urged the newly appointed service chiefs “to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
General Olufemi Oluyede now takes the helm at a decisive moment for Nigeria’s defence establishment, tasked with steering the military through complex security challenges while reinforcing the nation’s commitment to stability and peace.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
