President Bola Tinubu has carried out a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, removing General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as his successor.
The move, announced through a statement by presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare, also saw new appointments for the army, navy, and air force — marking one of the most significant changes in the country’s security leadership since Tinubu took office.
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General Waidi Shaibu, a career soldier known for his experience in counter-insurgency operations, is now the new Chief of Army Staff. Rear Admiral Idi Abbas takes charge of the navy, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke steps in as the new Chief of Air Staff.
The reshuffle comes only weeks after reports that 16 senior soldiers were arrested over an alleged coup plot against the federal government. While the presidency made no direct link between the two events, the timing has drawn attention and speculation among political observers.
In the statement, President Tinubu thanked the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” and urged the new appointees to “justify the confidence reposed in them” by enhancing professionalism and unity within the armed forces. The appointments, the presidency confirmed, take immediate effect.
Faces of the New Military Leadership
General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
General Oluyede, who now leads Nigeria’s entire military command, is a respected officer with decades of operational and administrative experience. As a former army chief, he is expected to bring both discipline and strategic insight to his new role, especially in the face of ongoing security challenges across the country.
Major General Waidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
Until his appointment, General Shaibu served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the joint military task force fighting insurgents in the North-east.
He earned a reputation for strong field leadership, guiding operations that reclaimed several insurgent-held areas in Borno State. Shaibu also worked to rebuild trust between the military and local communities, emphasizing cooperation and humanitarian support.
After leaving OPHK in April 2025, he served as Deputy Commandant at the National Defence College before moving to the Defence Space Agency — a posting that reflects his growing expertise in modern military technology and strategy.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
Rear Admiral Abbas brings deep operational experience from both sea and shore. Before this appointment, he was Chief of Naval Safety and Standards and previously served as Director of Operations at Naval Headquarters.
His naval career spans over three decades, with service aboard major Nigerian Navy ships such as NNS AMBE, NNS ARADU, and NNS EKUN. He also took part in ECOMOG peacekeeping operations in Liberia in 1996.
As Base Operations Officer at NNS PATHFINDER, Abbas was instrumental in reducing maritime crime and illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta. He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and trained at the Amphibious Warfare School of the US Marine Corps University.
Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
Air Vice Marshal Aneke, born on 20 February 1972, has spent much of his career leading key Air Force operations. He has served as Air Officer Commanding both the Tactical Air Command in Makurdi and the Mobility Command.
Known for his calm professionalism and emphasis on precision air operations, Aneke is expected to focus on strengthening the Air Force’s mobility, surveillance, and response capacity.
With the new appointments, President Tinubu has signaled his intent to refresh the top ranks of the military as Nigeria continues to battle insurgency, banditry, and maritime insecurity. The coming months will show whether this new team can deliver the stability and reform the president has promised.
