President Tinubu Dismisses Top Military Leaders in Security Overhaul

Nigeria’s commander-in-chief, Bola Tinubu, has removed the head of the armed forces and several other high-ranking officers from their posts as part of a bold initiative to bolster the country’s defences against rising threats.

The changes hit the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, along with other key figures in the army, navy, and air force. These shifts took hold without delay, marking the second major shake-up in the security ranks since Tinubu took office more than two years ago.

In a video statement, Sunday Dare, the president’s close adviser on media and public affairs, framed the moves as a key step in fortifying the nation’s safety framework. He noted that the decision came after careful review to ensure the military remains agile and united in facing dangers like uprisings in the north-east, bandit raids in the north-west, and separatist stirrings in the south-east.

Tinubu expressed warm thanks to General Musa and his outgoing team for their loyal service and steady guidance during tough times. He urged the incoming officers to build on that foundation with greater skill, alertness, and team spirit that mark Nigeria’s defence forces as a force for good.

The new lineup features General Olufemi Oluyede stepping in as Chief of Defence Staff. Major General Waidi Shaibu takes over as head of the army, while Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke assumes command of the air force. Rear Admiral Idi Abbas now leads the navy. Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye stays on in his role overseeing defence intelligence.

This round of changes echoes a similar purge back in June 2023, when Tinubu cleared out all service chiefs, the top police officer, and the customs boss to refresh leadership amid similar worries over unrest. That earlier action aimed to inject new energy into efforts against the same threats that linger today.

The news arrives amid whispers of unrest within the ranks, including unproven claims of a failed takeover plot reported in the media last October. Military spokespeople quickly dismissed those stories as bids to sow fear and mistrust. They explained that the decision to skip the usual Independence Day parade stemmed from routine paperwork and the need for troops to keep pressing operations against rebels and outlaws, rather than any deeper drama.

A senior defence information officer, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, called the rumours harmful distractions meant to rattle the public. He confirmed that a handful of officers held for questioning had nothing to do with such schemes, and the focus remains on daily missions to safeguard the land.

As the fresh team settles in, many hope these picks will sharpen tactics and foster closer ties among the services, paving the way for a safer tomorrow. Tinubu’s team sees the overhaul as a timely boost to keep the military ahead of evolving dangers.