In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday announced a sweeping reorganization of the nation’s military leadership.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the changes reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, professionalism, and strategic coordination within the Armed Forces.
Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Major-General Waidi Shaibu becomes the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff (CAS), and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas assumes the role of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.
Profiles of the New Service Chiefs
General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Before his elevation, General Oluyede served as Chief of Army Staff and had previously commanded the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna. A member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, the 56-year-old officer was commissioned in 1992. His career includes key command roles in Liberia under ECOMOG, the Bakassi Peninsula, and the North East under Operation HADIN KAI. He is a recipient of multiple military honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour and the Grand Service Star.
Major-General Waidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
Born on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro LGA, Kogi State, Major-General Shaibu is a seasoned combat commander and strategic leader. A member of the 41st Regular Course of the NDA, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in 1994. His academic record includes multiple master’s degrees in Public Administration, Strategic Studies, and Security Management from institutions in Nigeria and the United States. Shaibu has led several critical operations, including HADIN KAI, LAFIYA DOLE, and DESERT SANITY.
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke – Chief of Air Staff (CAS)
AVM Aneke, born in Makurdi, Benue State, hails from Udi LGA, Enugu State. A member of the 40th Regular Course of the NDA, he was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force in 1993. A decorated pilot with extensive experience on aircraft such as the Falcon 900 and Gulfstream 550, he holds multiple postgraduate degrees in Management, Diplomacy, Political Economy, and Strategic Studies. Until his appointment, he served as the Deputy Commandant of the NDA.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)
Rear Admiral Abbas, born on September 20, 1969, in Kano State, is an Above Water Warfare specialist and alumnus of the 40th Regular Course of the NDA. His extensive naval career spans roles such as Maritime Guard Commander at NIMASA, Commander Task Group Operation Tsare-Teku, and Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command. He previously served as Chief of Naval Safety and Standards and, most recently, as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre.
The appointments signal President Tinubu’s renewed push to recalibrate Nigeria’s defence leadership for a more coordinated, responsive, and modern military force capable of tackling emerging security challenges across the nation.
