In a major shake-up of Nigeria’s security architecture, President Bola Tinubu has sacked the nation’s service chiefs and appointed new heads to lead the Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force.
According to a State House press release signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President approved the appointments in line with his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security and improving military effectiveness across all formations.
Under the new structure, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff.
Similarly, Rear Admiral I. Abbas takes over as the Chief of Naval Staff, even as Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
President Tinubu commended the outgoing service chiefs for their contributions to national peace and stability, expressing gratitude for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” during their tenure.
“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” the statement read.
Tinubu also charged the newly appointed service chiefs to “justify the confidence reposed in them” and work together to enhance professionalism and vigilance within the Armed Forces.
“The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement added.
All appointments, according to the release, take immediate effect.
