President Bola Tinubu has approved major changes in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in a move aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff.
Major-General W. Shaibu becomes Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.
The President commended the outgoing Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” while urging the new appointees to “justify the confidence reposed in them” and to uphold the professionalism, vigilance, and unity that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
All appointments take immediate effect.
Below are the charges:
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CHANGES SERVICE CHIEFS
President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.
The President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff. The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.
Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.
The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service, and dedicated leadership.
The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
All appointments take immediate effect.
Sunday Dare
Special Adviser to the President
Media & Public Communication
October 24, 2025
