On 24 October 2025, Bola Tinubu approved a sweeping leadership overhaul across Nigeria’s military high command, signalling a fresh chapter for the nation’s defence architecture.
Here’s your inside-look at the new service chiefs and what their appointments might mean for the country’s security trajectory.
New Chief of Defence Staff – Olufemi Oluyede
Born in 1968 in Ikere, Ekiti State, Oluyede is a product of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He rises to become Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding Christopher Musa.
Formerly Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede brings deep infantry experience — he served as Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, among other senior roles. His appointment arrives at a time of urgent nationwide security challenges, signalling a push for a more coordinated and disciplined military leadership.
New Chief of Army Staff – Waidi Shaibu
From Nasarawa State, Major General Shaibu is recognised for his frontline role as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the northeast
— where he led operations that struck at the heart of Boko Haram and ISWAP networks. He now assumes the role of Chief of Army Staff, taking charge of the army’s broad operational and strategic responsibilities.New Chief of Air Staff – Sunday Kelvin Aneke
Hailing from Makurdi in Benue State, and originally from Udi LGA in Enugu State, AVM Aneke brings a decorated aviation record with over 4,300 flying hours. He holds multiple degrees — including strategic studies from the U.S. Air War College — and now becomes Chief of Air Staff, tasked with modernising and enhancing Nigeria’s air defence capabilities.
New Chief of Naval Staff – Idi Abbas
From Kano State, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas has decades of naval operational and administrative experience. He formerly served as Director of Operations at Naval Headquarters and Chief of Naval Safety & Standards. His appointment as Chief of Naval Staff signals renewed focus on maritime security, oil-infrastructure protection and coastal defence.
Chief of Defence Intelligence Retained – Emmanuel Undiendeye
Major General Undiendeye from Cross River State continues as Chief of Defence Intelligence. His retention offers continuity in Nigeria’s intelligence architecture amid the broader shake-up.
This top-to-bottom refresh of the service-chiefs is a clear signal: the government intends to re-energise Nigeria’s defence posture. The new team represents operational commanders with frontline experience (Shaibu), strategic oversight (Oluyede), technical/air capabilities (Aneke), and maritime focus (Abbas).
President Tinubu thanked outgoing chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” and charged the new incumbents to “justify the confidence reposed in them… to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
All appointments take immediate effect
🇳🇬 Armed Forces. #Nigeria #MilitaryLeadership #NationalSecurity #Tinubu #DefenceReshuffle
