President Bola Tinubu has announced changes in Nigeria’s military hierarchy while retaining the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, despite public calls for his removal.
The shake-up, reportedly aimed at strengthening the national security architecture, saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
Major-General W. Shaibu becomes the new Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas is appointed Chief of Naval Staff.
In a statement Issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, said Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position, while the police leadership remains unchanged.
However, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff General Musa and other departing Service Chiefs for their service, and charged the new appointees to uphold professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.
The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.
“The President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff. 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.
“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.”
Dare added that all appointments would take immediate effect.
