PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping changes in Nigeria’s military hierarchy, including the removal of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede as his successor.
This was contained in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
According to the statement, the changes take immediate effect and form part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to “strengthen the national security architecture and respond more effectively to emerging security threats across the country.”
Until his elevation, General Oluyede served as the Chief of Army Staff.
He takes over from General Musa, who was appointed CDS in June 2023 and had overseen joint military operations against insurgency, banditry and other security challenges nationwide.
“The President appreciates the outgoing service chief for his dedication to duty and service to the nation, while charging the newly appointed CDS to demonstrate exceptional leadership, professionalism and patriotism in his new role,” the statement read in part.
Although the Presidency maintained that the changes were part of routine restructuring, a top military insider told News Point Nigeria that the move may be linked to intelligence reports surrounding what was described as “unusual political and military alignments” within the defence structure.
The source, who spoke in confidence because he was not authorised to address the media, said: “There have been discreet investigations and concerns within the security community over the past weeks.
“While the situation has been contained, the shake-up became necessary to reinforce loyalty and operational clarity.”
When asked whether the development was tied to rumours of an attempted coup, the source said: “Let us just say the President moved to tighten the chain of command, which is a normal preventive measure in military leadership.”
The statement added that all appointments take immediate effect.
