President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping shake-up in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
The major overhaul, announced on Friday, October 24, 2025, saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa.
In the same development, Major-General W. Shaibu was named the new Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke assumes office as the Chief of Air Staff. The President also appointed Rear Admiral I. Abbas as the new Chief of Naval Staff, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
According to a statement issued by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, all the new appointments take immediate effect.
President Tinubu, in the statement, expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for what he described as their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” acknowledging their significant contributions to the stability and defence of the country.
He urged the newly appointed military chiefs to bring renewed commitment, professionalism, and vigilance to the fight against insecurity, while fostering unity and synergy among the Armed Forces.
“The security of our nation remains the top priority of my administration. I expect the new service chiefs to deliver results through strategic coordination, intelligence-led operations, and unflinching discipline,” the President was quoted as saying.
The shake-up marks one of the most decisive security reforms under the Tinubu administration, signaling a drive to revitalize military leadership and enhance Nigeria’s counter-insurgency, anti-banditry, and maritime security operations nationwide.
