The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu’s replacement of service chiefs was to “inject new direction, vision, and vigour” into the Nigerian Armed Forces, dismissing speculations of a connection to a rumored coup plot. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, emphasized Tinubu’s authority as Commander-in-Chief to appoint and remove service chiefs, noting that the outgoing chiefs served two years.
On Friday, Tinubu appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa, with Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retained his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence. The changes took effect immediately.
The move followed a viral report alleging a coup attempt, which the Defence Headquarters denied as “false” and administrative in nature. Despite official clarifications, public suspicion persists, with some Nigerians linking the timing to the alleged plot. The African Democratic Congress demanded an explanation, citing regional instability.
Security experts had mixed reactions. Col. Yomi Dare (retd) saw the appointments as a morale booster, while Mike Ejiofor highlighted funding and operational challenges, urging better resource allocation. Analyst Akogun-Abudu Oluwamayowa questioned the timing, advocating for improved soldier welfare and border security to address insecurity effectively.
