President Bola Tinubu in a group photograph with the new service chiefs
By DAVID IORJA, Abuja –
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has orchestrated a sweeping shake-up of Nigeria’s military leadership. In a move aimed at reinforcing the nation’s security architecture, he replaced the previous service chiefs and installed new faces across the highest levels.
Meet the new service chiefs
General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
General Oluyede, previously the Chief of Army Staff, succeeds General Christopher Musa. His military career has been marked by steady ascent: from commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1992 (effective from 1987) through ranks to Major-General in September 2020. He commanded the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, and led operations such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, and Bakassi engagements. He has been decorated with the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star and others for his service.
Major‑General W. Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
Major-General Shaibu takes over the Army leadership. Born 18 December 1971 in Kogi State, he entered the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1989 (41st Regular Course) and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in September 1994. His academic credentials are extensive: a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from NDA, a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration (Ghana), and multiple master’s degrees in Public Administration, Strategic Studies and Security/Strategic Studies (including from the National Defence University, Washington D.C.). His command posts include GOC 7 Division, Commander Sector 1 (Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri), Brigade Commander of 21 Special Armoured Brigade, and Chief of Training at Army Headquarters. The appointment coincides with a renewed push for operational readiness, professionalism and a firm commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
Hailing from Udi LGA, Enugu State, and born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, Aneke joined the NDA on 10 September 1988 (40th Regular Course) and was commissioned as a pilot officer in the Air Force on 10 September 1993. His academic achievements include: BSc in Physics, PGD in Management (University of Calabar), MA in International Affairs & Diplomacy (Ahmadu Bello University), MA in Political Economy & Developmental Studies (University of Abuja), and MA in Strategic Studies (USAF Air War College). He has held senior roles in operations, safety, policy and training, and is a qualified pilot on multiple aircraft types. Aneke is married with three sons.
Rear Admiral I. Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
Born 20 September 1969 in Nasarawa LGA of Kano State, Abbas entered the NDA on 12 September 1987 and was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant on 10 September 1993 (40th Regular Course), holding a Bachelor’s in Chemistry. His naval specialty is Above Water Warfare. His training includes the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at NNS Quorra (1994), Junior & Senior Staff Courses at AFCSC Jaji (2001 & 2005). His command posts cover MGC-NIMASA (2015), Commander Task Group of Operation Tsare-Teku (2017), Central Naval Command leadership roles, and most recently Chief of Naval Safety & Standard and Chief of Defence Civil Military Relations prior to this appointment. He is a practicing Muslim, married with two sons.
Major‑General E.A.P. Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence (retained)
In a move signalling continuity in intelligence leadership, Major-General Undiendeye retains his role as CDI.
Why This Matters
In a statement signed by Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication Sunday Dare, the presidency said this shake-up is part of the federal government’s effort to fortify Nigeria’s security architecture.
The appointments take immediate effect.
President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for their patriotic service, while charging the incoming officers to “justify the confidence reposed in them” by advancing professionalism, vigilance and comradeship within the armed forces.
