President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping changes in the hierarchy of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, appointing a new set of Service Chiefs.

In the reshuffle announced Friday, General Olufemi Oluyede was named Chief of Defence Staff, taking over the reins of Nigeria’s military command. Major-General W. Shaibu becomes the new Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke steps in as Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas takes charge as Chief of Naval Staff.

Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence, continuing what sources say has been a “steady hand in military intelligence coordination.”

In a statement by the President, Tinubu said the changes were aimed at deepening professionalism and strengthening inter-service collaboration.

“I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture,” President Tinubu said.
“I thank General Christopher Musa and the outgoing Service Chiefs for their selfless service and dedicated leadership, and I charge the new Service Chiefs to deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour.”

The appointments mark a significant recalibration of the administration’s defence strategy amid persistent security challenges ranging from insurgency and banditry to maritime insecurity and emerging cyber threats.

The outgoing Service Chiefs, led by General Christopher Musa, had been in office since June 2023, overseeing critical operations across multiple theatres. Their exit, while expected, closes a chapter marked by mixed outcomes in the war against insecurity.

The reshuffle also reflects Tinubu’s growing assertiveness in shaping Nigeria’s military command, as his administration faces rising pressure to deliver measurable progress in national security.