UPDATED: After Alleged Coup Plot, Tinubu Names New Defence Chief, Replaces Military Service Chiefs

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By Alofe Ayomoses

President Bola Tinubu has carried out a major shake-up in the nation’s military hierarchy, relieving General Christopher Musa of his position as Chief of Defence Staff and appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as his successor.

In the sweeping changes announced through a statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Sunday Dare, on Sunday, the President also approved new appointments for the leadership of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

General Waidi Shaibu has been named the new Chief of Army Staff, while Rear Admiral Idi Abbas and Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke will now head the Nigerian Navy and Air Force respectively. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, however, retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The announcement follows weeks of speculation about possible restructuring in the Armed Forces, coming shortly after the reported arrest of 16 senior officers accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot. The presidency’s statement, however, made no reference to that incident.

Mr Tinubu commended the outgoing service chiefs for what he described as their “patriotic service and leadership” and urged the newly appointed commanders to strengthen professionalism, vigilance, and unity across the military. The appointments, according to the statement, take immediate effect.

“The President has full confidence in the new leadership to advance the operational efficiency and strategic discipline of the Armed Forces,” the statement added.

Profiles of the New Service Chiefs

General Waidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
Before his appointment, General Shaibu served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North-East, where he led several successful counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram. As former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, he championed improved coordination among ground troops and enhanced community relations to sustain local intelligence gathering.

His command style was marked by an emphasis on refurbishing military hardware, improving soldier welfare, and expanding training in explosive ordnance disposal and tactical reconnaissance. Shaibu, who later served as Deputy Commandant at the National Defence College and at the Defence Space Agency, is widely regarded as one of the Army’s most experienced field strategists.

Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
Rear Admiral Abbas brings to his new position a rich record of operational command and maritime strategy. A graduate of the 26th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he began his career aboard NNS Ambe and NNS Aradu, later participating in ECOMOG operations in Liberia in 1996.

He previously held the post of Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, following his tenure as Director of Operations at Naval Headquarters. As Base Operations Officer of NNS Pathfinder, he coordinated anti-bunkering and maritime security patrols that drastically reduced oil theft and piracy in the Niger Delta.

Abbas also holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and attended the Amphibious Warfare School of the U.S. Marine Corps University.

Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
AVM Aneke’s appointment crowns a distinguished career in tactical aviation and air mobility operations. Until now, he served as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command, and earlier as AOC Tactical Air Command, Makurdi.

Born on 20 February 1972, Aneke is credited with modernising air logistics operations and expanding the Air Force’s rapid deployment capacity. His leadership experience spans air combat readiness training, strategic airlift coordination, and personnel development.

President Tinubu’s latest appointments mark another phase in his administration’s ongoing effort to reposition Nigeria’s defence architecture amid rising security challenges across the country.