President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a sweeping overhaul of Nigeria’s military command, appointing new heads across the country’s defence services in what many analysts describe as one of the most significant shake-ups since his administration began.

The announcement, released through a statement by Mr. Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, confirmed that General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa.

The changes, which take immediate effect, signal the President’s intention to reinvigorate the nation’s defence structure amid persistent security challenges. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

New Defence Chiefs Appointed

In addition to General Oluyede’s appointment, President Tinubu approved new service chiefs across the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to the statement:

• Major-General W. Shaibu becomes the Chief of Army Staff

• Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as the Chief of Air Staff

• Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes duty as the Chief of Naval Staff

Meanwhile, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye will retain his current position as the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The announcement follows weeks of speculation regarding possible changes within the military hierarchy, as the Tinubu administration intensifies its focus on national security and military professionalism.

President Tinubu Commends Outgoing Chiefs

President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs, including General Christopher Musa, for their dedication, sacrifice, and service to the nation.

In his remarks, the President described them as “patriotic leaders who have served Nigeria with courage and honour,” adding that their contributions laid a solid foundation for the next phase of the country’s defence strategy.

He further urged the newly appointed officers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and unity, emphasizing that Nigeria’s Armed Forces must remain “resilient and focused” as the country faces complex security threats across multiple regions.

“Our nation stands at a critical moment that demands renewed energy, intelligence, and cooperation among the military services,” Tinubu said. “This new team must work together to safeguard the peace, sovereignty, and unity of Nigeria.”

Strategic Renewal for National Security

Security experts and political analysts have described the latest appointments as part of President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing the nation’s defence system and enhancing coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Dr. Salisu Hamman, a defence analyst based in Abuja, noted that the new leadership reflects “Tinubu’s desire for a results-oriented command structure capable of addressing insurgency, banditry, and maritime threats more decisively.”

He added, “General Oluyede’s record of operational excellence and strategic management suggests the administration is prioritizing efficiency and accountability within the defence sector.”

The restructuring also aligns with Tinubu’s broader goal of strengthening inter-agency intelligence sharing, improving troop welfare, and fostering collaboration with regional and international partners in combating terrorism and organized crime.

Immediate Implementation and Public Reaction

According to the official statement, all the new appointments take immediate effect, with formal handover ceremonies expected within the coming days at their respective military headquarters in Abuja.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some citizens applauding the move as a necessary step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s defence leadership, while others have called for transparency and measurable progress in tackling insecurity.

As the new Chiefs assume command, the spotlight now shifts to how effectively they can address persistent challenges — from insurgency in the Northeast to rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in the Northwest and North Central regions

With General Olufemi Oluyede now at the helm of Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, expectations are high for a renewed military focus on professionalism, unity, and national stability.

For President Tinubu, this reshuffle represents both a political and strategic statement: that the nation’s security apparatus must evolve to meet the realities of modern warfare and the demands of a dynamic geopolitical environment.