BREAKING: Tinubu sacks CDS, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff

Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has approved major changes in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs in what the Presidency described as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

Also appointed were Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

The statement noted that the changes take immediate effect.

President Tinubu, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and the other outgoing Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” during their tenure.

He urged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them and to build upon the achievements of their predecessors.

“The President charges the newly appointed 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 statement read in part.

The leadership changes come amid reports of a failed coup attempt allegedly involving some mid-level officers. According to leaked reports, the officers had tentatively picked a date for the coup and were holding secret meetings amid rising discontent.