What President Tinubu told new Service chiefs after first meeting in Aso Rock
What President Tinubu told new Service chiefs after first meeting in Aso Rock
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday approved significant shakeup in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, urging the newly appointed service chiefs to be vigilant and foster unity.
A statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, confirmed that Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, former Chief of Army Staff, has been appointed Chief of Defence Staff, replacing Gen. Christopher Musa.
The appointments also 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, while Maj.-Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence. All appointments take immediate effect, the statement noted.
President Tinubu, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and other retired service chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” during their tenure.
He charged the new military heads to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating “enhanced professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship” in executing their duties.
The shake-up is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition the security sector, improve coordination among the services, and sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges nationwide.
In a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, on Thursday, President Tinubu reiterated the directive to the new service chiefs, saying:
“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 also reiterated his appreciation for the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other former service chiefs, noting their “selfless service and dedicated leadership”, and assured that the appointments reflect his administration’s commitment to a secure and stable Nigeria.
The Presidency clarified that the new appointments were routine administrative exercises, carried out under the President’s constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief.
Reacting to media speculation suggesting internal discord, Mr. Sunday Dare emphasized that the leadership changes were part of the President’s ongoing efforts to recalibrate and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
“It is a routine. The President, as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, can make such appointments just as he changed ministers a few months ago,” Dare added.
The latest changes mark another strategic recalibration of Nigeria’s security leadership under President Tinubu, aimed at consolidating gains in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other threats to national peace.
