It’s a new dawn in Nigeria’s military leadership. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed a new set of Service Chiefs, a move the Presidency says will inject new direction, vision, and vigour into the Armed Forces.
While the announcement came amid rumours of a coup plot, the Presidency insists the reshuffle is purely to strengthen national security.
So, who are the men now leading Nigeria’s military?
At the top of the hierarchy is Lieutenant-General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, the new Chief of Defence Staff.
A native of Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State, South-Western Nigeria, Oluyede is a seasoned officer with over 30 years of experience, ranging from ECOMOG operations in Liberia to counter-insurgency missions in the North-East.
He previously served as Chief of Army Staff, succeeding General Lagbaja, before his elevation to head the entire Armed Forces.
Known for his discipline, reformist leadership, and strategic coordination, Oluyede brings inter-service synergy and stability to Nigeria’s defence structure.
Replacing Lieutenant-General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff is Major-General Waidi Shaibu from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, in the North-Central region.
Shaibu is a frontline commander who once led Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and later served as Director of Training at Army Headquarters.
Decorated and disciplined, he was named Africa’s Most Outstanding Defence Commander in 2024.
His leadership style is described as hands-on, strategic, and morale-driven.
At the Naval Command, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, North-West Nigeria, now serves as Chief of Naval Staff.
A specialist in Above Water Warfare, he has commanded several naval units and previously served as Flag Officer Commanding the Central Naval Command.
He’s a UN-trained peacekeeper and a graduate of the National Defence College, Abuja, respected for his calm professionalism and operational expertise. In the skies, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke assumes office as Chief of Air Staff.
Born in Makurdi, Benue State, but hailing from Udi Local Government Area in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria, Aneke trained at the US Air War College and has served in peacekeeping missions from the Niger Delta to Congo.
He’s known for combining intellect with combat experience and for his focus on air power modernization.
Together, these men bring decades of experience and a promise of renewed energy to Nigeria’s Armed Forces, signalling a new era for national defence and security.
