Barely two hours after announcing sweeping changes in the nation’s military leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday held his first meeting with the newly appointed Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President said the shake-up was part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and enhance the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces.
“I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture,” President Tinubu stated.
According to the announcement, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu takes over as Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff. In the same vein, Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been named Chief of Naval Staff, and Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
A statement signed by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, confirmed the appointments, describing them as “a continuation of the Federal Government’s commitment to reinforcing Nigeria’s national security framework.”
The meeting with the new Service Chiefs, held shortly after the announcement, reportedly focused on strategies to tackle the country’s multifaceted security challenges and align the Armed Forces with the administration’s national defence priorities.
The new appointments mark another major step in President Tinubu’s efforts to recalibrate the leadership of Nigeria’s security institutions for improved synergy, professionalism, and results in safeguarding the nation.
