Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced major changes in the leadership of the country’s armed forces, appointing new service chiefs in a move aimed at strengthening national security.
According to a statement signed by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
Major-General W. Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke was appointed Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas will serve as the new Chief of Naval Staff.
The statement noted that the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will retain his position.
“The President 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,” Dare said.
President Tinubu expressed “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 added.
He urged the newly appointed officers to “justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
All appointments, the presidency said, take immediate effect.