Tinubu sacks military leaders amid coup rumours

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed Nigeria’s top military leaders in a major shake-up of the nation’s security hierarchy, amid growing speculation about internal discontent within the Armed Forces.

The President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Also affected by the changes are other key positions: Major-General W. Shaibu is now the Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as the Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

A statement issued in Abuja by Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, confirmed that the new appointments take immediate effect.

President Tinubu thanked the outgoing Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” and charged their successors to “justify the confidence reposed in them by strengthening the professionalism, vigilance, and unity that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

The shake-up comes amid widespread speculation about possible unrest within the military, though the Presidency has not linked the changes to any specific incident. Officials insist the move is part of the administration’s ongoing effort to bolster national security and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.