President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military hierarchy, appointing new service chiefs in a bid to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
General Christopher Musa has been replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Tinubu also named Major-General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retained his position.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare, who said the decision reflects the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening national defence and improving coordination among the armed forces.
Profiles of the Newly Appointed Service Chiefs
General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
Until his latest appointment, General Oluyede served as Chief of Army Staff. A member of the 39th Regular Course, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
The 56-year-old officer has held several key positions, including Commander of the elite Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
He has participated in major military operations such as the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, and Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East.
General Oluyede’s distinguished service has earned him several honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and membership of the National Institute.
Major-General Waidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
Major-General Waidi Shaibu, now the 25th Chief of Army Staff, is regarded as a strategic thinker and seasoned field commander. Born on 18 December 1971 in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 41st Regular Course in 1989 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps in 1994.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the NDA and multiple advanced degrees, including Master’s degrees in Public Administration (University of Calabar), Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan), and Security and Strategic Studies (National Defence University, Washington D.C., USA).
His key appointments include General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Commander Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai, Brigade Commander 21 Special Armoured Brigade, and Chief of Training, Army Headquarters.
Major-General Shaibu has participated in several major operations, including Harmony, Boyona, Lafiya Dole, Tura Takaibango, Hadin Kai, Desert Sanity, and Lake Sanity. He is married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan, and they have two children.
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
Born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, Air Vice Marshal Aneke hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1988 as a member of the 40th Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force in 1993.
He holds a BSc in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (University of Calabar), and multiple Master’s degrees in International Affairs and Diplomacy (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria), Political Economy and Developmental Studies (University of Abuja), and Strategic Studies (Air War College, USA).
Before his appointment, he served as Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy. He has also held positions such as Director of Safety, Director of Policy, and Command Operations Officer, Tactical Air Command.
AVM Aneke is a certified pilot who has flown various aircraft, including the Dornier 228, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, and Hawker 4000. He is married to Mrs Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and they have three sons.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, born on 20 September 1969 in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as part of the 40th Regular Course and was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1993.
A specialist in Above Water Warfare, Rear Admiral Abbas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and has attended several professional courses both locally and internationally.
He has held numerous appointments, including Maritime Guard Commander (NIMASA), Commander Task Group (Operation Tsare-Teku), and Flag Officer Commanding (Central Naval Command). He also served as Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, and later as Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations at Defence Headquarters.
Until his appointment, he was a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre.
Rear Admiral Abbas is married to Mrs Aisha Abbas, and they have two sons.