Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has sacked the entire leadership of the nation's Armed Forces in response to escalating violence, indicating a significant shift in military command aimed at improving security for all citizens and in response an alleged coup which had earlier been plotted.
As part of efforts to strengthen the country's security framework, President Tinubu announced the appointments of new service chiefs effective immediately.
The announcement was made on Friday, October 24, 2025, by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication. General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defense Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa.
The new service chiefs include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye will continue in his role as Chief of Defense Intelligence.
In his capacity as Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing service chiefs, especially General Musa, for their service and leadership during their terms.
He urged the newly appointed officials to meet the expectations set for them and to build on the achievements of their predecessors. The President emphasized the importance of professionalism, vigilance, and camaraderie within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
These leadership changes come amidst reports of a failed coup attempt involving certain mid-level officers within the military. According to leaks, these officers had selected a tentative date for the coup and were holding clandestine meetings due to rising discontent.
Allegations of a foiled coup against President Tinubu surfaced around mid-October 2025, coinciding with the cancellation of the country's 65th Independence Day parade scheduled for October 1.
The annual military parade was abruptly called off, with initial reasons attributed to the President's attendance at an important bilateral meeting abroad and the armed forces' focus on counter-terrorism. However, speculation arose suggesting that the cancellation was linked to intelligence regarding a possible coup plot targeting the event.
This reshuffle marks the second significant reorganization of Nigeria's military leadership since Tinubu took office in May 2023.
The outgoing service chiefs had been in their positions since June 2023 and oversaw various operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in northern Nigeria. Although their tenure achieved notable successes, ongoing attacks in several regions fueled calls for a change in strategy and leadership.
