President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to replace General Christopher Musa.
Alongside this change, Major-General W. Shaibu has been named the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), while Rear Admiral I. Abbas takes over as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye will continue as the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Friday 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 Nigeria’s national security structure.
“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, deeply appreciates the service and leadership of the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other Service Chiefs for their dedication and patriotism,” the statement read.
President Tinubu further urged the newly appointed military leaders to demonstrate professionalism, unity, and vigilance in fulfilling their duties and to justify the trust placed in them. The new appointments take immediate effect.
General Oluyede, the new CDS, had previously served as Chief of Army Staff following the death of General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja last year.
The outgoing Service Chiefs — General Musa, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar — assumed office in June 2023. During their tenure, they led several critical operations against insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and various armed bandit groups in northern Nigeria.
Despite recording significant progress, continued security challenges across different regions have increased public pressure for a renewed approach and leadership change within the Armed Forces.
