President Bola Tinubu has sacked the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, a surprise decision that sent ripples through Nigeria’s military top ranks.
The announcement, made in a statement by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, confirmed that General Musa has been replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede, who until now was the Chief of Army Staff.
“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 statement read.
The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes charge as Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been appointed Chief of Naval Staff, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
“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.”
