Tinubu of Nigeria replaces service chiefs in a significant military reorganization

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced on Friday that, as part of an extensive reorganization of the nation’s military leadership, he has selected new service chiefs in an attempt to bolster national security.

The restructuring occurs as Nigeria continues to face security issues, such as separatist upheaval in the southeast, armed banditry in the northwest, and Islamist insurgencies in the northeast.

The Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, was replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede, who was appointed shortly after Tinubu took office.

The Chief of Army Staff was Major-General W. Shaibu, and the Chiefs of Air and Naval Staff were Rear Admiral I. Abbas and Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke, respectively.

Defense Intelligence Chief Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye was still in his role.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” the president said in a statement.