Garba Mohammed
In a dramatic shake-up of Nigeria’s military leadership, President Bola Tinubu has removed General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, along with other key service chiefs, in a move analysts say signals a major overhaul of the country’s national security apparatus.
The announcement came Friday through a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, who said the changes are part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to “strengthen the national security architecture” amid rising security challenges across the country.
General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu takes over as Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice-Marshal S.K. Aneke assumes the role of Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been named the new Chief of Naval Staff, and Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
The shake-up, which takes immediate effect, underscores the President’s commitment to revitalizing the Armed Forces, boosting professionalism, and enhancing operational readiness.
In the statement, President Tinubu expressed his “most profound appreciation” to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs for their dedicated service and leadership, while charging the newly appointed officers to “justify the confidence reposed in them by further enhancing the vigilance, professionalism, and comradeship that define Nigeria’s Armed Forces.”
Security analysts have described the reshuffle as “a bold and strategic move” to address persistent security threats, including insurgency, banditry, and organized crime, which have continued to challenge the country’s military capabilities.
Political observers also note that the shake-up sends a strong message about accountability and performance in the military hierarchy, signaling that no position is immune from scrutiny in the fight to secure Nigeria’s borders and internal security.
The military changes come amid ongoing debates over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies, with many Nigerians calling for decisive leadership to curb rising insecurity in the North, South-East, and parts of the South-West.
The new leadership team is expected to hit the ground running, with analysts predicting immediate operational reviews and strategic deployments to tackle the country’s security threats.
All eyes are now on the newly appointed chiefs as Nigerians await visible improvements in security across the nation.