General Olufemi Oluyede

Apparently worried over the growing insecurity in the country, President Bola Tinubu, on Friday announced the sacking of the military top brass, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

In a statement released by the State House and signed by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

The move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance Nigeria’s national security.

This development comes 9n the heels of speculations of a potential military coup, which reportedly led to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations on October 1, 2025.

However, the Defence Headquarters swiftly dismissed such reports, describing them as false and malicious.

Despite the denial, reports had it that the 16 officers, ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, were detained on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government.

Nonetheless, the new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.

“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service, and dedicated leadership.

“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.,” according to the statement.

All appointments, the press release noted, take immediate effect.