President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping changes in the nation’s military leadership, relieving the service chiefs of their duties and appointing a new set of officers to head the Armed Forces — a development that will trigger the retirement of over 50 senior generals across the services.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the decision was part of efforts to reposition the Armed Forces for greater operational efficiency, enhanced coordination, and renewed commitment to national security.
New Service Chiefs Appointed
The newly appointed Service Chiefs, drawn from the 40th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), include:
- General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede — Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
- Major General Waidi Shaibu — Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
- Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke — Chief of Air Staff (CAS)
- Rear Admiral Idi Abbas — Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)
The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retained his position.
According to the statement, the appointments reflect the administration’s determination to deepen professionalism, discipline, and technology-driven operations in Nigeria’s defence institutions.
Wave of Retirement Looms
By long-standing military tradition, senior officers who are contemporaries or superiors to the newly appointed service chiefs will proceed on voluntary retirement to maintain discipline and hierarchy.
Security sources confirmed that this convention would affect over 50 generals, including some Major Generals, Rear Admirals, and Air Vice Marshals, particularly those from NDA Course 39 and a few from early Course 40.
“The moment new service chiefs are appointed, those who trained them or belong to older courses automatically proceed on voluntary retirement. It’s a well-established custom in the Nigerian Armed Forces,” a senior security source explained.
Profiles of the New Defence Leaders
General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede (CDS)
A seasoned infantry officer and alumnus of the 40th Regular Combatant Course, General Oluyede was commissioned in 1992 and has held several command and operational positions, including Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade (Operation Hadin Kai), and Commandant, Amphibious Training School, Calabar.
Major General Waidi Shaibu (COAS)
Former Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Shaibu is celebrated for his discipline and leadership in counter-terrorism efforts. He is expected to focus on internal security, professionalism, and inter-agency coordination.
Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke (CAS)
A native of Enugu State and member of the 40th Course, AVM Aneke is a highly trained airman with a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Air War College. He previously commanded the 307 Executive Airlift Group, Abuja, and the Mobility Command, Yenagoa.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (CNS)
Rear Admiral Abbas, an expert in maritime security and oil theft control, formerly served as Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Yenagoa. His appointment is expected to strengthen maritime operations and coastal security in the Niger Delta and the Gulf of Guinea.
Strategic Intent Behind the Shake-Up
Analysts believe President Tinubu’s decision marks a deliberate generational transition designed to inject youth, innovation, and technology into Nigeria’s military command structure.
The new chiefs are expected to:
- Deepen synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force;
- Strengthen counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations;
- Improve troop welfare and logistics; and
- Integrate modern technology, including drones and AI-based intelligence systems.
A defence analyst observed that the appointments “signal a shift toward a younger, tech-savvy, and battle-tested generation of officers capable of tackling Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.”
Implications for the Armed Forces
The impending retirement of more than 50 generals will reshape Nigeria’s military top hierarchy, paving the way for younger officers to assume leadership roles.
While the transition may momentarily disrupt some command structures, it is widely viewed as an opportunity to rejuvenate the Armed Forces, improve professionalism, and align Nigeria’s defence system with global standards.
“This transition will usher in a new era of discipline, innovation, and accountability in Nigeria’s military leadership,” a security expert concluded.
