President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate removal and replacement of Nigeria’s top military commanders in what the Presidency described as a strategic effort to strengthen national security and boost operational coordination within the armed forces.
According to the official statement released on Friday, 24 October 2025, by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, President Tinubu announced new appointments across the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General Waidi Shaibu becomes the new Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas assumes office as the new Chief of Naval Staff, replacing Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. The President retained Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence. All appointments take immediate effect.
In a notable decision, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was retained despite growing public calls for his removal, a move analysts see as a signal of continuity in police leadership amid broader security changes.
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare said the shake-up was part of an ongoing plan to “reposition the military for greater efficiency, discipline, and tactical effectiveness” amid persistent security threats.
“The President has approved the appointment of new Service Chiefs to ensure renewed energy, improved coordination, and better tactical response across all theatres of operation,” the statement said.
President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs, including General Christopher Musa, for their service and leadership. He charged the newly appointed military heads to uphold professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces, emphasizing the need for synergy and dedication in safeguarding national integrity.
The new appointments come as Nigeria faces multiple security challenges ranging from insurgency in the North-East to banditry and kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central regions, as well as secessionist tensions in the South-East.
Government sources revealed that President Tinubu’s decision followed several intelligence briefings highlighting the need for fresh leadership and stronger cooperation among the armed forces.
Coup Rumours and Arrests
The reshuffle also follows reports that about 16 senior officers were recently detained for alleged acts of indiscipline. Although early media claims linked the arrests to an alleged coup plot, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) strongly denied this, insisting there was “no coup attempt” and that the investigations were purely internal disciplinary matters.
Military authorities have since emphasized that the armed forces remain loyal to the government and committed to protecting Nigeria’s democracy.
Security analysts say the President’s decision reflects a bid to reassert control and restore morale within the ranks after months of operational strain. Others believe the timing, coming just weeks after the reported arrests, is strategic, aimed at preventing internal divisions and reaffirming the chain of command.