Tinubu Shuffles Cabinet, Replaces Chief of Defence Staff, Other Service Chiefs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major reshuffle in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s security framework.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, in Abuja.

According to the statement, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa.

Other appointments include Major-General W. Shaibu as the new 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.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

President Tinubu, who doubles as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed gratitude to the outgoing Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership, acknowledging their contributions to safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and territorial integrity.

“The President expresses his most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” the statement read.

The President charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them, emphasizing the need to uphold professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the military ranks.

“The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement added.

All appointments, according to the Presidency, take immediate effect.