President Bola Tinubu has approved sweeping changes in the
nation’s military leadership.
In a statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, special
adviser to the president on media and public communication, Tinubu named
Olufemi Oluyede, a lieutenant general, as the new chief of defence staff,
replacing Christopher Musa.
Oluyede was until now the army chief.
Waidi Shaibu, a major general, is the new Chief of Army Staff, while Sunday Kelvin Aneke, an air vice marshal, takes over as air chief.
Idi Abbas, a rear admiral, is the new naval chief, but
Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, a major general, remains unchanged as chief
of defence intelligence.
Dare said the appointments take immediate effect, signalling
Tinubu’s renewed push to reposition the military and enhance coordination among
the various arms of the armed forces.
“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 statement reads.
“President Tinubu charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs
to justify the confidence reposed in them by further enhancing the
professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of
Nigeria.”
The changes are coming weeks after rumours of a botched coup
plot, although denied by the military authorities.
The changes mark the second major reshuffle of the military
command under Tinubu’s administration since he assumed office in May 2023.
The move comes amid growing public pressure for stronger
security outcomes, as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and
other forms of violent crime across several regions.
Tinubu’s latest appointments are expected to bring fresh
energy into the military hierarchy, with Oluyede’s experience in joint
operations and counterterrorism seen as critical to the administration’s
renewed security strategy.
The outgoing chiefs, led by Musa, had been in office since
June 2023 and oversaw several major operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and
armed bandits in the north-east and north-west.
While their tenure recorded significant gains, continued
attacks in parts of the country had fuelled calls for a change in strategy and
leadership.
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Seems the news about a coup almost happening was/is true. God abeg ooo!! we no want ooo
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