By LegalLinkz Newsroom
In a decisive move aimed at fortifying Nigeria’s national security framework, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate retirement of all serving Service Chiefs, ushering in a new leadership structure for the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to a statement from the Presidency on Saturday, the President made the changes “in furtherance of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the national security architecture and enhancing inter-service coordination.”
Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede assumes office as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Christopher Musa, who has been at the helm of the Defence Headquarters since June 2023.
The new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is Major-General W. Shaibu, who replaces Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja.
In the Air Force, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as the Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been named the Chief of Naval Staff, replacing Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position, reflecting the President’s confidence in his ongoing intelligence coordination role.
Presidential Appreciation and Directive
President Tinubu, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed “profound appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs for their selfless and patriotic service to the nation”.
He lauded their dedication, leadership, and commitment during a period marked by complex security challenges ranging from terrorism and banditry to oil theft and cyber threats.
The President charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to “justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exceptional professionalism, unity of purpose, and renewed vigilance in the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty.”
He emphasized that his administration’s ongoing security reforms demand “strategic innovation and operational synergy” among all branches of the Armed Forces to ensure lasting peace and stability across the federation.
A Signal of Renewed Strategy
This major military shake-up is seen as part of the Tinubu administration’s broader effort to retool Nigeria’s defence apparatus and inject fresh energy into the nation’s security operations.
It comes amid growing public demand for improved safety, intelligence-driven responses, and more transparent coordination among security agencies.
Defence analysts suggest that the appointments may also herald a shift toward a more technology-driven, intelligence-led approach to national defence, aligning with President Tinubu’s promise to modernize the military.
The newly appointed Service Chiefs are expected to resume duties immediately, as the Presidency confirmed that the appointments take immediate effect.
More details are expected to follow regarding the formal handover ceremonies and the initial strategic directives to be issued by the Defence Headquarters in the coming days.
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