By TONY UDOKA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in the nation’s military leadership, announcing fresh appointments across the top echelons of the Armed Forces in a move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to a statement issued from the State House on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa, who has served in that capacity since 2023.

Also appointed are Major-General W. Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as the Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as the Chief of Naval Staff. Meanwhile, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye will continue as Chief of Defence Intelligence, retaining his position.

The President, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, commended the outgoing Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” praising their contributions to national security during their tenure.

Tinubu urged the new military chiefs to “justify the confidence reposed in them” by demonstrating renewed professionalism, vigilance, and unity of purpose in tackling the country’s persistent security challenges.

“The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement read.

The appointments, the statement added, take immediate effect.

This latest military reshuffle underscores the Tinubu administration’s continuing drive to reform and reposition Nigeria’s security institutions amid ongoing threats from insurgency, banditry, and emerging cross-border challenges.

With these new appointments, security watchers say attention will now turn to how the fresh leadership team aligns with the administration’s broader national security strategy and operational goals for peace and stability across the federation.