Nigeria's Tinubu replaces service chiefs in major military shake-up


Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu speaks during a joint press statement with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (not pictured), at the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, August 25, 2025. REUTERS/Adriano Machado

LAGOS (Reuters) -Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has appointed new service chiefs in a sweeping overhaul of the country's military leadership, the presidency said on Friday, as part of efforts to strengthen national security.

The reshuffle comes amid persistent security challenges across Nigeria, including Islamist insurgencies in the northeast, armed banditry in the northwest, and separatist unrest in the southeast.

General Olufemi Oluyede was named Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa, who was appointed just over two years ago after Tinubu came into office.

Major-General W. Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke and Rear Admiral I. Abbas were named Chiefs of Air and Naval Staff, respectively.

Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

"All appointments take immediate effect," the presidency said in a statement.

(Reporting by Benjamin EzeamaluWriting by Chijioke Ohuocha, Editing by MacDonald Dzirutwe and Crispian Balmer)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

At least 50 children killed in diphtheria outbreak in northwest Nigeria
Feature: Despite hardships, West Bank refugee camp children find hope with Chinese support
Unpaid work in Cabo Verde estimated at 9.6 pct of GDP
Ghanaian expert urges Africa to partner with China for cheaper energy development
External forces may be instigating anti-migrant violence in South Africa, says president
Roundup: Nigerian president orders swift rescue after mass abduction in central state
Belarus begins air defense, air force exercises
1st LD Writethru: Canada announces counter-tariffs on over 700 U.S. goods
2nd LD Writethru: 3 killed in fire at Russian gas chemical complex
Kenya bans entry of pesticides prohibited abroad

Others Also Read