President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the appointment of new service chiefs, including a new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), as part of a sweeping reorganisation of Nigeria’s military leadership.

The announcement, which took effect immediately, was contained in a statement from the Presidency. The new appointments are aimed at strengthening national security and improving the efficiency of the armed forces in tackling the country’s growing security challenges.

Under the new changes, Major General W. Shaibu has been appointed as the Chief of Army Staff, succeeding Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. Other top military officers affected by the shake-up include:

General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff

Rear Admiral I. Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff

Air Marshal S.K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff

Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence (retained)


President Tinubu’s decision to reorganise the military leadership comes amid rising concerns over insecurity across different parts of the country, including insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and separatist tensions in the Southeast.

Security analysts believe the move is intended to inject new energy and strategies into the armed forces to ensure better coordination and effectiveness in ongoing military operations.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace, unity, and stability across Nigeria, stating that his government would continue to provide the necessary support and resources to enable the armed forces to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.

The newly appointed service chiefs are expected to resume immediately and begin implementing new strategies to address the complex security challenges confronting the nation.

This latest reshuffle underscores President Tinubu’s resolve to prioritise national security and strengthen the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.