President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his top military leaders, sacking the Chief of Defence Staff and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The changes come days after unconfirmed reports of an alleged coup plot against the administration.
General Olufemi Oluyede is the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Other new chiefs include Major-General W. Shaibu (Army), Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke (Air Force), and Rear Admiral I. Abbas (Navy).
This marks the second major overhaul of the military command under President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023. The previous Service Chiefs had been appointed in June 2023. The latest changes were announced shortly after a viral report alleged a foiled coup plot and the subsequent detention of military officers, a claim officially denied by the Defence Headquarters.
Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated the replacement is necessary to strengthen the national security architecture and to inject new direction, vision, vigour and energy into the military, denying any connection to the coup rumors. The Presidency maintains the reshuffle is a routine exercise of the Commander-in-Chief’s powers.
The shake-up aligned with the military’s internal terms of service, which often stipulate a two-year tenure to prevent stagnation and ensure career progression.
Despite the official denial, the close timing after the reports of the alleged coup plot, fuels public speculation that the changes are a direct response to a perceived intelligence gap or disloyalty within the ranks. Analysts suggest the move is a definitive action to preempt potential unrest and reassert civilian control over the military apparatus.
The new Service Chiefs are tasked with addressing Nigeria’s persistent internal security challenges, including counter-insurgency operations against armed groups across multiple regions.
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