The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has approved a reshuffle in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, urging the newly appointed Service Chiefs to uphold professionalism, vigilance, and unity in defending the nation.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, announced the appointments on Thursday 23 October 2025. The President named Lt.-Gen.
Olufemi Oluyede, the former Chief of Army Staff, as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Gen. Christopher Musa.
Others include Maj.-Gen. W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice-Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
Maj.-Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye will continue as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
The statement noted that all appointments take immediate effect.
Tinubu, who doubles as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, commended the outgoing Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and commitment to national security, describing their tenure as one of sacrifice and dedication.
The leadership changes, the President said, form part of his administration’s broader strategy to strengthen coordination among the security agencies and sustain momentum in combating terrorism, banditry, and other threats across the country.
In a post on his verified X account, @officialABAT, President Tinubu reiterated his confidence in the new military leaders, stressing that the move was aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s defence structure and ensuring improved operational effectiveness.
“I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture. I charge the new Service Chiefs to deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour,” he stated.
The President also expressed gratitude to Gen. Musa and other outgoing Service Chiefs for their “selfless service and dedicated leadership,” assuring that their contributions laid the groundwork for continued progress.
Clarifying the rationale behind the reshuffle, Dare said the appointments were a routine administrative exercise consistent with the President’s constitutional powers.
He dismissed speculations of internal disagreements within the administration, noting that the decision was driven purely by the need to enhance efficiency and recalibrate Nigeria’s security framework.
“The President, as Commander-in-Chief, can make such appointments whenever necessary to strengthen the country’s defence system,” Dare added.
