Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs Over Rumoured Coup, Appoints New Heads

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, appointing new heads of the Armed Forces in a move aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

According to a statement issued on Friday, by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the President approved the immediate replacement of all Service Chiefs, except the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Major-General W. Shaibu has been named the new Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke assumes office as Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas becomes the new Chief of Naval Staff.

However, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

President Tinubu, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed his profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other former Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.

“The President expresses his most 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.

The President charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating higher levels of professionalism, vigilance, and unity in safeguarding the nation.

“The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement added.

The new appointments, according to the Presidency, take immediate effect.