In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, President Bola Tinubu has replaced the Service Chiefs and charged the newly appointed military leaders to deepen professionalism, enhance vigilance, foster unity within the Armed Forces, and serve the nation with honour and dedication.
The President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Major-General W. Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke became the Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas was appointed Chief of Naval Staff. However, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retained his position.
Analysts have described the shake-up as urgent and strategic, noting it underscores the Tinubu administration’s resolve to restore public confidence and curb insecurity and banditry in parts of the country.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) also pledged to deepen intelligence sharing and coordination with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to address violent extremism and inter-communal tensions nationwide.
Announcing the changes on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu said: “I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture. I charge the new Service Chiefs to deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour.”
He expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other former Service Chiefs for their “selfless service and dedicated leadership,” adding that the new appointments reflect his commitment to ensuring a secure and stable Nigeria.
In a statement, presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare described the appointments as routine, saying they fall within the President’s constitutional powers to recalibrate the nation’s security structure. “It is a routine, the President as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, can make appointments just as he changed the ministers few months ago,” Dare said.
He dismissed insinuations that the reshuffle was linked to alleged discord, stressing that the President acted within his constitutional prerogative to ensure effective leadership within the Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, the NGF, in a communique signed by its Chairman, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and read by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said: “The Forum received a presentation from the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, on emerging security threats and intelligence-led strategies to strengthen subnational coordination. Governors expressed appreciation to the DSS for its proactive engagement and reiterated their commitment to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with federal security agencies to enhance peace and stability across the states.”
Security experts have also set an agenda for the newly appointed Service Chiefs, urging them to prioritise synergy among the services, improve troops’ welfare, and manage resources prudently to meet the Federal Government’s defence objectives.
Former Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode said: “I expect them to prioritise kinetic efforts, while non-kinetic measures should be directed towards exposing those who sponsor insecurity — the conflict merchants. We should be able to identify who they are and bring them to face the full weight of the law.”
Security analyst Chidi Omeje added: “The new COAS was a theatre commander not long ago, so he understands the issues at stake — namely, extinguishing the flames of terrorism in Nigeria. I expect each and every one of them to strengthen collaboration, as no service can do it alone.”
Former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor, however, cautioned that leadership changes might not immediately resolve Nigeria’s security challenges. He said: “They must concentrate all efforts on fostering synergy; they must work together to succeed. The government must also play its part by adequately funding the services.”
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke and Chiemelie Ezeobi
