President Tinubu Replaces Service Chiefs Amidst Coup Speculation

President Bola Tinubu has made sweeping changes in the hierarchy of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with General Olufemi Oluyede replacing General Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff.

The President also appointed Major-General W. Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.

Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.

Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President, Media and Public Communication, announced the new appointments in a statement, saying the appointments are with immediate effect.

Dare noted that the replacement of the Service Chiefs is in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.

He said 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 Presidential spokesperson further noted that the President charged the new Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The changes in the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces come amidst speculation of a coup plot following the recent arrest of about sixteen military officers. But the Defence Headquarters denied the purported coup report, saying that the officers were arrested for alleged acts of indiscipline and unprofessional conduct.