–24 October 2025
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has made significant changes to the leadership of the Armed Forces, appointing new service chiefs in what the presidency describes as an effort to strengthen the nation’s security architecture. The move comes amid ongoing challenges with insecurity and recent rumours of a potential coup, which the military has denied.
In a press release issued by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to the outgoing chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership.” He urged the new appointees to “justify the confidence reposed in them” by enhancing professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship within the Armed Forces. All changes take immediate effect.
Key Appointments
The reshuffle affects the top echelons of Nigeria’s military hierarchy. Below is a summary of the new appointments:
| Position | New Appointee | Previous Holder (if replaced) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief of Defence Staff | General Olufemi Oluyede | General Christopher Musa |
| Chief of Army Staff | Major-General W. Shaibu | |
| Chief of Air Staff | Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke | |
| Chief of Naval Staff | Rear Admiral I. Abbas | |
| Chief of Defence Intelligence | Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye | Retained position |
Profiles of the New Service Chiefs
The appointees bring extensive experience from various branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Here are brief overviews based on available information:
- General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff): Born in 1968 in Otukpo, Benue State, Oluyede is a lieutenant general with over three decades of service in the Nigerian Army. He previously served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna State. A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he has attended numerous professional courses and holds qualifications including a BSc. His career has focused on operational leadership and strategic command.
- Major-General W. Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff): Also known as Waidi Shaibu, he recently served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the joint military effort against insurgency in Nigeria’s North East. His tenure there involved leading operations that neutralised high-profile terrorists and disrupted supply chains. Shaibu has been recognised for his battlefield contributions, including receiving a Command Operations Medal. He was promoted to brigadier general in recent years and has a track record in counter-insurgency efforts.
- Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke (Chief of Air Staff): Born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, with origins in Udi, Enugu State, Aneke was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force in 1993 after enlisting in 1988. He previously served as Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command and holds multiple master’s degrees. With over 4,359 flying hours, his expertise includes logistics, mobility operations, and strategic air command.
- Rear Admiral I. Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff): Likely referring to Idi Abbas, he has held key naval commands, including as Flag Officer Commanding the Central Naval Command. His focus has included tackling oil theft and maritime security in Nigeria’s waters. Details on his early career are limited, but he is noted for commending efforts in anti-crude oil theft operations.
- Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence – Retained): Born in Obudu, Cross River State, Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye has served as Chief of Defence Intelligence since June 2023. He oversees intelligence coordination across the Armed Forces and has a background in strategic intelligence operations.
