President Bola Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in the military leadership, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa.
In the new appointments announced on Friday, Major-General W. Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke became Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas was appointed Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retained his position.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, who said the changes were part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.
“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses his profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” the statement read in part.
Tinubu urged the newly appointed military chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by enhancing professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.
The appointments take immediate effect.
General Oluyede’s elevation comes less than a year after he was appointed Chief of Army Staff in December 2024, following the death of General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
