Tinubu Appoints New Service Chiefs, Tasks Them on National Security
In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Service Chiefs, replacing the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.
The new appointments, announced on Friday, mark a major shake-up in the nation’s military leadership and reflect the President’s resolve to inject fresh strategy and renewed vigour into the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across the country.
According to a statement from the Presidency, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu is the new Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas takes over as Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye will continue in his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to General Christopher Musa and the outgoing Service Chiefs for their “selfless service and dedicated leadership,” while charging the new appointees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, vigilance, and unity.
“I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture,” the President said. “I charge the new Service Chiefs to deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour.”
The sweeping changes come amid ongoing security challenges in several parts of the country, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and rising incidents of kidnapping and communal conflict elsewhere. Analysts view the new appointments as part of a broader effort to realign the Armed Forces with emerging security realities and reinforce inter-agency coordination.
