Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has carried out a major shake-up of the country’s top military leadership amid a surge in violence, public unrest, and mounting speculation about instability within the armed forces.
The surprise reshuffle, announced Friday, saw the dismissal of three senior security chiefs, General Christopher Musa (Chief of Defense Staff), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff). No official reason was provided for the shake-up, which comes just weeks after reports circulated that more than 20 military officers, including a brigadier general, had been detained over an alleged coup plot, rumors the government has vehemently denied.
In their place, Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede, the former army chief, as the new Chief of Defense Staff. He also named W. Shaibu, I. Abbas, and S.K. Aneke as the new heads of the army, air force, and navy respectively. The president urged them to “uphold the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” according to a statement from his spokesman, Sunday Dare.
The reshuffle comes at a time of heightened security strain across Nigeria. The country’s northern regions continue suffer from relentless attacks by extremist groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoots, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Ansaru. Bandit militias have also expanded their influence, kidnapping civilians, raiding villages, and ambushing soldiers.
In recent months, jihadist groups have overrun several military outposts and bombed key transport routes, fueling fears of a return to the intense insecurity that marked the peak of Boko Haram’s insurgency. Earlier this year, the U.S. government approved a $346 million arms deal to support Nigeria’s fight against insurgents and organized crime networks.
Tensions have also flared in Abuja, where police clashed with protesters demanding the release of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu. Dozens were arrested after officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Analysts say the military shake-up reflects the administration’s growing anxiety over both national and political stability.
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“Some of us saw these changes coming,” said security analyst Senator Iroegbu in AP’s report. “This also means that in the current state of events, the administration might be prioritizing regime protection above any other security threats.”
