President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved major changes in the hierarchy of the Nigerian Armed Forces as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s national security architecture.
According to a statement issued on Friday, October 24, 2025, by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
Also appointed are 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.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.
President Tinubu, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed his profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other departing service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.
He charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by further enhancing the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement read.
