President Bola Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in the nation’s military leadership, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa.
In the sweeping changes announced on Friday, Major-General W. Shaibu was named the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke became the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), while Rear Admiral I. Abbas was appointed Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, however, retains his position.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
According to the statement, the appointments are part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s national security framework.
“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 in part.
“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 that all appointments take immediate effect.
General Oluyede’s rise marks a swift progression in his military career, having only assumed office as Chief of Army Staff last year following the death of General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
The outgoing Service Chiefs—General Musa, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar—were appointed in June 2023 and have since led key operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West regions.
While their tenure recorded significant operational successes, ongoing security challenges and renewed attacks across parts of the country have fueled demands for a fresh approach and leadership restructuring.
