President Bola Tinubu has approved sweeping changes in the hierarchy of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in what the Presidency described as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s national security architecture and reinforce public confidence in the military.
The shake-up follows last week’s foiled coup attempt allegedly orchestrated by a group of mid-level military officers. The swift action by loyal security operatives averted what officials described as an “unconstitutional bid to undermine democratic governance.”
In the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff, while Major-General W. Shaibu assumes duty as the Chief of Army Staff. Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the new Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been appointed the Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.
A statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, said the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed profound appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership during a challenging period in the nation’s history.
“The President commends the loyalty and professionalism of the Armed Forces in swiftly neutralising the recent threat to national stability and upholding the constitutional order,” the statement read.
President Tinubu charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to “justify the confidence reposed in them” by demonstrating renewed commitment to professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring internal stability.
All appointments take immediate effect.
