President Bola Tinubu has executed a significant shake-up of Nigeria’s top military leadership, terminating the appointments of several service chiefs and immediately installing new commanders in a move aimed at reinvigorating the country’s security architecture.

According to a statement released by the Presidency on 24 October 2025, General Christopher Musa has been replaced as Chief of Defence Staff by Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede. Major-General W. Shaibu has been appointed Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice-Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, and Rear-Admiral I. Abbas has assumed the role of Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye remains as Chief of Defence Intelligence. The changes take immediate effect.

In his statement, Tinubu commended the outgoing leaders for their service and urged the new appointees to deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the armed forces. He reinforced his role as Commander-in-Chief and indicated that the move forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s military posture and national defence capabilities.