Over 50 Generals to retire as Tinubu overhauls military leadership

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday implemented a major shake-up in the military hierarchy, dismissing the existing service chiefs and naming their successors.

A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, explained that the decision was part of the administration’s broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture and enhance coordination within the armed forces.

In the new appointments, former Chief of Army Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, was announced as the new Chief of Defence Staff, taking over from General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke became the new Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas was named Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retained his position.

According to reports, the development is expected to lead to a wave of retirements among senior military officers. By long-standing tradition, officers who are contemporaries or seniors of the outgoing service chiefs typically proceed on retirement once a new set of leaders is appointed.

The newly appointed service chiefs belong to Course 40 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), replacing their predecessors from Course 39, including General Oluyede. Under established military convention, officers from senior courses do not serve under their juniors, meaning that several generals from Course 39 and some from Course 40 may have to retire to pave the way for the new leadership team.

Leadership Weekend reported that some members of Course 39 still occupy key positions, including Principal Staff Officers at Service Headquarters and Commanders of tri-service institutions. Military sources further disclosed that more than 50 senior officers are likely to voluntarily retire from service following these new appointments.