President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has carried out a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military hierarchy, dismissing the current Service Chiefs and appointing new ones in what the Presidency describes as part of efforts to strengthen national security.

A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, announced the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa.

Others named in the new lineup 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.

Meanwhile, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The move is expected to trigger a wave of retirements among senior officers. Military tradition dictates that generals who belong to the same or higher course levels as the outgoing service chiefs must step down, as they cannot serve under their juniors.

The newly appointed chiefs belong to Course 40 of the Nigerian Defence Academy, replacing officers from Course 39, including General Oluyede himself.

Sources within the armed forces reveal that more than 50 senior officers—many serving as principal staff officers and commanders—are likely to proceed on voluntary retirement in the coming weeks.