Amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed a new set of Service Chiefs to take over the steering of the nation’s security architecture, raising fresh hopes for reform and renewed effectiveness.
🇳🇬 New Faces in Command
According to DAILY POST reports, the President named former Chief of Army Staff Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa.
Others include:
W. Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
S.K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
I. Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
E.A.P. Undiendeye – retained as Chief of Defence Intelligence
The appointments come amid heightened threats from Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers, and other non-state actors. The reshuffle also followed international attention after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly threatened military action over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
🔹 Public and Expert Reactions
Nigerians across sectors have expressed optimism that the new Service Chiefs will introduce fresh tactical and operational strategies to strengthen counter-insurgency efforts and restore peace.
The Pan African United Development Network (PAUDEN) described the move as a “strategic step to enhance national defense capabilities and professionalism within the Armed Forces.”
Similarly, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) said the sack of the previous chiefs sent “mixed feelings across the North,” noting that fairness and regional balance would be key to restoring public confidence.
Captain Abdullahi Adamu (retd), IHRC Country Director, said:
“The decision signals readiness to make tough calls but also raises questions about internal politics and motives behind the reshuffle.”
Security consultant Bulama Bukarti praised the change, calling it “timely and long overdue.”
“When you review Nigeria’s security record in the past two years, it’s clear that leadership renewal was necessary,” he said.
⚔️ Military Veterans React
Retired military leaders also weighed in.
Major General Anthony Atolagbe (retd), former Director of Peacekeeping Operations, said the change will “generate excitement within the Armed Forces” and ensure career progression aligns with service conditions.
“This redeployment aligns with standard military procedure. It will help officers reposition their careers and bring new energy to the system.”
Rear Admiral Dickson Olisemelogor (retd) called the shake-up “necessary and timely.”
“These are experienced officers who have served in key internal operations. We just hope they’ll be given the freedom to act,” he noted.
Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Centre (RULAAC), said leadership change is within the President’s prerogative but warned that “symbolism must translate into real accountability and strategic improvement.”
🗣️ Presidency Explains the Move
Speaking on behalf of the Presidency, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said President Tinubu acted out of concern for how the security situation was being handled.
“It’s a routine change. The President believes it’s time to have new people in charge to deliver better results,” Onanuga said.
While decorating the new Service Chiefs, Tinubu urged them to deliver visible progress:
“I charge you to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses.”
🧠 Analysts Urge Patience and Support
Security analyst and former Nigerian Army spokesperson, Brigadier-General Sani Usman (retd), urged Nigerians to give the new commanders the “benefit of the doubt.”
“They’ve shown understanding and commitment. With proper funding and strategic direction, they’ll deliver,” he said.
Another analyst, Mike Ejiofor, emphasized that appointing or replacing Service Chiefs is a constitutional prerogative of the President.
“These chiefs have served their term. The new appointees must consolidate on past gains, especially in joint operations,” Ejiofor added.
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