Oluyede Appointed New CDS as Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs

President Bola Tinubu has announced major changes in Nigeria’s military leadership, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa.

The shake-up, revealed on Friday in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, also saw new appointments across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Under the new military hierarchy, Major-General W. Shaibu becomes the Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as the Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

According to the statement, the changes are part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.

“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 read.

“He 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.”

All the appointments take immediate effect.

General Oluyede’s elevation to CDS marks a rapid rise within the military leadership. He was appointed acting Chief of Army Staff in December 2024, following the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.