Nigeria’s Military Reshuffle: Why President Tinubu replaced service chiefs
Oru Leonard
In a major military shake-up, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has replaced service chiefs who are to resume with immediate effect.
This is contained in a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
The reshuffle comes amid persistent security challenges across Nigeria, including Islamist insurgencies in the northeast, armed banditry in the northwest, and separatist unrest in the southeast.
General Olufemi Oluyede who was the Chief of Army Staff from 30 September 2024 has been elevated to Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa, who was appointed just over two years ago after Tinubu came into office.
Major-General W. Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke and Rear Admiral I. Abbas were named Chiefs of Air and Naval Staff, respectively.
Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs, particularly General Musa, for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” during their tenure.
He urged the newly appointed military chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating a renewed sense of professionalism, vigilance, and unity in the discharge of their duties.
