The Nigerian military has undergone a major leadership restructuring, approved by President Bola Tinubu, involving the confirmation and decoration of new service chiefs and the redeployment of 71 senior army officers. Aimed at reinvigorating leadership, strengthening command structures, and enhancing operational effectiveness against Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, the shake-up was approved on October 24. The Senate confirmed the nominees on Wednesday, followed by the House of Representatives on Thursday. The new service chiefs—General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff—were decorated by the President at the State House, Abuja.

A memo dated October 30, signed by Military Secretary (Army) EL Okoro, directed 60 major generals and 11 brigadier generals to assume new postings by November 3. Only four major generals—P.A.O. Okoye, Y. Yahaya, I. Otu, and S. Nuhu—retained their current posts with new appointments. Approved by Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the redeployments strengthen command and operational readiness. Key appointments include Major General Bamidele Alabi as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Jamal Abdulsalam as Chief of Defence Operations, and Major General Peter Mala as Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

Other critical roles filled include Major General Mayirenso Saraso as Chief of Operations (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi as Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, and Major General Abubakar Haruna as Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC). Corps commanders appointed include Major General Godwin Mutkut (Infantry), Umar Abubakar (Armour), John Adeyemo (Artillery), and Mohammed Abdullahi (Signals). Major General Oluyemi Olatoye was named Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, while Major General Saidu Audu became Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

Vice Admiral Idi Abbas assumed office as the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff, succeeding Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. In his address, Admiral Abbas pledged to enhance maritime security, fleet capability, personnel welfare, and inter-agency synergy, while tackling crude oil theft, sea robbery, and illegal bunkering. Former CNS Ogalla highlighted achievements including zero piracy incidents and successful anti-oil theft operations.

Decorating the new chiefs, President Tinubu emphasized that the ceremony marked a renewed commitment to national security. He urged decisive action against emerging threats, improved inter-agency coordination, and innovation, promising full government support. Chief of Defence Staff General Oluyede pledged to do “everything possible” to secure Nigeria, calling for public cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

These changes followed weeks after military authorities denied rumors of a botched coup plot.