Nigeria’s new Service Chiefs
In a desperate move that may have been driven by the alleged failed military coup in Nigeria, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hurriedly approved the appointment of new Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), in what is seen as a strategic effort to enhance Nigeria’s security architecture.
Under the new arrangement, General Olufemi Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Waidi Shaibu becomes Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Idi Abass takes over as Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke assumes office as Chief of Air Staff.
General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
A member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, General Olufemi Oluyede is an infantry officer with extensive command experience both within and outside Nigeria.
Before his elevation, he served as Chief of Army Staff, a position he assumed in 2024 following the death of Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
During his tenure, Oluyede prioritised troop welfare — doubling the daily ration allowance and launching a housing scheme for officers — reforms that boosted morale and operational effectiveness. His leadership approach blends discipline, welfare consciousness, and strategic collaboration among the armed forces. As CDS, he is expected to consolidate inter-service cooperation and drive ongoing modernisation efforts to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Major-General Waidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
Major-General Waidi Shaibu, of the 41st Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, hails from the Armour Corps. He previously served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander, Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai, in the North-East.
He has also held key positions, including Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, Commander of 21 Special Armour Brigade Bama, and Director of Training at Army Headquarters. Shaibu played a vital role in major counterinsurgency operations, particularly the 2024 deep clearance of the Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle.
His innovative peacebuilding initiatives, such as the Local Community Policing and Peace Enforcement (LCPPE) project, strengthened civil-military cooperation in Borno State. Governor Babagana Zulum and senior military commanders have described him as a disciplined, results-driven officer whose leadership has been pivotal to the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
Rear Admiral Idi Abass – Chief of Naval Staff
Rear Admiral Idi Abass, from Kano State, is a member of the 40th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and a specialist in Above Water Warfare.
He has attended several professional courses both in Nigeria and abroad, including the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and the National Defence College, Abuja. His notable appointments include Commander of NNS Victory, Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, and Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command.
As the 25th Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Abass is expected to intensify efforts against oil theft, piracy, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes. He is also expected to improve fleet readiness, enhance personnel training, and deepen cooperation with international maritime partners.
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, from Enugu State, is a member of the 40th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and the 23rd Chief of Air Staff. A seasoned pilot and aviation engineer, Aneke has over 4,300 flying hours and has operated various aircraft, including the Gulfstream 550, Falcon 900, and Dornier 228.
He has held several command and staff positions, including Commander, 307 Executive Airlift Group, Director of Policy, and Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Aneke’s leadership is expected to focus on strengthening air-ground coordination in counterterrorism operations, advancing aircraft maintenance and safety systems, and deepening civil-military relations. He is also expected to sustain the Civilian Harm Mitigation initiative, which ensures minimal collateral damage during air operations. The appointments mark a major reshuffle in Nigeria’s defence leadership, with expectations high that the new Service Chiefs will consolidate recent security gains and implement fresh strategies to safeguard national stability and unity.
