President Bola Tinubu has announced the immediate removal of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other service chiefs.

This major overhaul of Nigeria’s military leadership is coming after the denial that there was no coup attempt in the country scheduled to take place this month.

An Online newspaper SaharaReporters had published that the annual October 1 Independent Parade cancelled at the last minute by the Bola Tinubu Presidency had something to do with the planned coup.

But both presidency and the Military had denied the report.

However, a statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, said the decision to overhaul Nigeria’s Military “is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s national security framework.”

The statement revealed that General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is the new Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been appointed Chief of Naval Staff.

Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye will retain his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing service chiefs for their dedication and service to the nation, praising their contributions to maintaining national security.

He also urged the newly appointed officers to uphold professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement said.