Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs Amid Coup Rumours, Appoints New Military Leaders
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday announced a sweeping overhaul of Nigeria’s military leadership, sacking the nation’s service chiefs and appointing their replacements in what the Presidency described as part of efforts to “strengthen the national security architecture.”
The announcement, signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, named General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa. Other key appointments include Major General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General E. A. P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement said.
The President expressed appreciation to the outgoing chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” urging the new commanders to justify the confidence reposed in them and deepen professionalism and vigilance across the Armed Forces.
A Second Major Shake-up in 17 Months
This is the second major military reshuffle since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. The latest shake-up comes amid rising insecurity and speculation of unrest within the military ranks.
Security analysts say the move follows weeks of speculation about loyalty issues within the high command. It also comes days after widespread rumours of an attempted coup to unseat the President — a claim the Defence Headquarters has denied.
A senior security officer told LEADERSHIP Weekend:
“Their sacking is the result of losing the loyalty of those working with them. When a commander loses the loyalty of his men, there’s no need for him to remain in command.”
16 Officers Arrested for Indiscipline
Earlier this month, Defence Headquarters confirmed the arrest of 16 officers over alleged indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, described the arrests as “routine disciplinary actions” following internal investigations into career stagnation and misconduct.
He emphasized that all indicted officers would face military disciplinary procedures “to preserve professionalism and accountability within the Armed Forces.”
Analysts: Move Aimed at Reasserting Control
Security experts suggest the President’s decision may be a strategic attempt to reassert control and rebuild confidence in the military following weeks of internal tension.
Dr. Kabir Adamu of Beacon Consulting said the new chiefs must “uphold democratic values” amid a spate of military coups across West Africa.
“They must focus on professionalism, avoid politics, and fulfil their constitutional mandate,” he said.
Similarly, defence analyst Ete’ekpori Mbohon described the reshuffle as a “routine but strategic rotation” to bolster counter-insurgency operations.
Over 50 Generals to Retire
The shake-up is expected to trigger a wave of retirements, as over 50 senior officers—mostly contemporaries of the outgoing chiefs—may have to bow out under military tradition.
The new appointees, mostly from the 40th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), are set to replace Course 39 officers.
Profiles of the New Service Chiefs
Gen. Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
A battle-tested infantry officer from Ekiti State, Oluyede previously served as Chief of Army Staff and Theatre Commander in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai. Commissioned in 1992, he has commanded multiple brigades and training schools across Nigeria.
Maj.-Gen. W. Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
An experienced counter-insurgency tactician from Kogi State, Shaibu led Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, where his forces neutralised over 500 insurgents and rescued more than 2,000 civilians.
AVM Sunday Kelvin Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
A decorated pilot from Enugu State, Aneke is a multi-degree holder and a graduate of the U.S. Air War College. He has served in both the Presidential Air Fleet and as Deputy Commandant of the NDA.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
A naval warfare specialist from Kano State, Abbas has commanded several Nigerian Navy ships and previously headed the Central Naval Command. He is known for his expertise in Above Water Warfare and maritime operations.
Mixed Reactions Trail the Shake-up
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described the move as “within the President’s prerogative,” urging the new service chiefs to make a visible difference in tackling insecurity.
However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) demanded transparency, calling on President Tinubu to “tell Nigerians the real reason” behind the abrupt changes.
ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said the timing — coming right after coup rumours — raises “more questions than answers.”
“This decision has far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks,” he said. “The government owes Nigerians a categorical explanation of what truly happened.”
Civil society groups and analysts echoed similar sentiments, stressing that Nigerians want results, not reshuffles.
Dr. Emakop Nwosu, a university lecturer, noted, “This is an opportunity to restore confidence in the military. Loyalty must be to the Constitution, not to personalities.”
Bottom line:
Tinubu’s surprise shake-up of the military hierarchy appears both strategic and political — a move aimed at tightening control, restoring confidence, and neutralising internal dissent. Whether it will translate into better security outcomes or deeper divisions within the ranks remains to be seen.