President Bola Tinubu on Friday approved sweeping changes in the leadership of the Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs in what he described as a decisive step to bolster Nigeria’s national security.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, Tinubu confirmed the appointment of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
Full List of New Appointments
Chief of Defence Staff – Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede
Chief of Army Staff – Major-General W. Shaibu
Chief of Air Staff – Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke
Chief of Naval Staff – Rear Admiral I. Abbas
Chief of Defence Intelligence – Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye (retained)
Tinubu Explains Shake-Up
Earlier, the President explained that the reshuffle was necessary to “further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.”
He stated, “General Olufemi Oluyede is appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu becomes Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.”
Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing Service Chiefs, particularly General Musa, for what he described as their “selfless service and dedicated leadership.”
He urged the new appointees to deepen professionalism and unity within the Armed Forces, “I charge the new Service Chiefs to strengthen professionalism, vigilance, and unity as they serve our nation with honour.”
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]