Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced the appointment of new service chiefs in a sweeping overhaul of the country’s military leadership, aimed at bolstering national security amid mounting security threats across the country.
In a statement, the presidency said the changes take immediate effect and are intended to enhance coordination among the armed forces as Nigeria continues to battle Islamist insurgencies in the northeast, violent banditry in the northwest, and separatist unrest in the southeast.
General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa, who served in the role for just over two years. Major-General W. Shaibu will take over as Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke assumes the position of Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been named Chief of Naval Staff.
Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye will continue as Chief of Defence Intelligence, maintaining his role in the nation’s top security structure.
The shake-up marks one of the most significant military restructurings since Tinubu took office in 2023, reflecting his administration’s push to modernize Nigeria’s defense apparatus and improve the government’s response to complex internal security challenges.
“The president expects the new service chiefs to deliver results and restore confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions,” the presidency said.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
