Tinubu Fires Top Military Chiefs Amid Coup Plot Speculations

President Bola Tinubu has replaced Nigeria’s military chiefs to boost national security. General Olufemi Oluyede is now Chief of Defence Staff, with new heads appointed for the army, navy, and air force, while Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye remains Chief of Defence Intelligence. Tinubu thanked the outgoing officers for their service.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the nation’s entire military high command in a sweeping move aimed at reshaping the country’s security leadership. According to presidential spokesman Sunday Dare, the decision is part of efforts to “strengthen the national security architecture” and ensure more effective coordination among the armed forces. The announcement comes only days after the Defence Department denied reports of a coup plot, heightening public interest in the sudden changes.

General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa, who held the position since 2023. The president also approved new appointments for the army, navy, and air force, marking one of the most comprehensive military overhauls since he assumed office. Major General W. Shaibu has been named Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke will now serve as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas becomes the new Chief of Naval Staff.

Despite the broad shake-up, some continuity remains in the security leadership, as Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his post as Chief of Defence Intelligence. This suggests the president’s desire to maintain institutional knowledge while introducing fresh perspectives to lead the armed forces in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

The presidency, through Sunday Dare, expressed President Tinubu’s “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 emphasized that their efforts and sacrifices had contributed significantly to national defense, even as the administration looks toward new strategies to restore peace and stability across the country.

This reshuffle comes at a time when Nigeria continues to confront widespread insecurity, including terrorism in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, separatist violence in the southeast, and rising criminal activities in other regions. The new military leaders are expected to bring renewed energy, strategic innovation, and stronger inter-agency collaboration to help restore public confidence and reinforce the country’s fight against all forms of internal and external threats.