‘Over 50 Generals to go over sack of service chiefs’

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to sack the nation’s service chiefs and appointing their successors is expected to see more than 50 senior generals proceed on retirement in line with military tradition.

The announcement, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the decision was part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.

Under the new arrangement, former Army Chief, General Olufemi Oluyede, becomes the Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu is now Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke assumes the role of Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been appointed Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

The development is expected to prompt large-scale retirements among top officers, as several generals who are contemporaries of the outgoing service chiefs are likely to step aside, in keeping with established military hierarchy.

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The newly appointed service chiefs, all members of Course 40 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), replace their predecessors from Course 39, including General Oluyede.

By this transition, officers from Course 39 and some from Course 40 will have to retire since they cannot serve under juniors now elevated above them.

Members of Course 39 still occupy strategic roles, such as Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at the Service Headquarters and Commanders of tri-service institutions.

Military sources said over 50 such generals are expected to voluntarily exit service to allow the new service chiefs to take full charge of military operations.

Profiles of the New Service Chiefs
Gen. Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, an Infantry Corps officer, is a battle-tested commander with extensive operational and staff experience, including serving as a former Theatre Commander in the North-East.Gen. Oluyede served as Chief of Army Staff from 30 September 2024 before being elevated to the role of CDS yesterday.Born in Ikere, Ekiti State, in 1968, Oluyede began his military career in 1987 as a cadet in the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992.A member of the 39th Regular Course of the NDA, alongside the late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, his career has spanned numerous command and staff roles across Nigeria and international missions.Promoted to Major-General in 2020, he has commanded several key formations, including 27 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI. He succeeds Gen. Christopher Musa.

Maj.-Gen. W. Shaibu – Chief of Army StaffKnown for his experience in counter-insurgency operations, Major-General Waidi Shaibu recently served as Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, where his forces neutralised over 567 terrorists and rescued more than 2,225 civilians.He previously held posts as General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, and Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at the National Defence College, Abuja.Born on 18 December 1971 in Kogi State, Shaibu joined the NDA in 1989 as part of the 41 Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps in 1994.

AVM Sunday Kelvin Aneke – Chief of Air StaffAVM Aneke, a seasoned pilot, was born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, and hails from Udi LGA of Enugu State.He joined the NDA in 1988 as a member of the 40th Regular Course and was commissioned in 1993.He holds multiple degrees, including Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Air War College.Aneke has served in various capacities, including Commanding Officer of the Base Services Wing, Benin, Fleet Training Officer of the Presidential Air Fleet, and Deputy Commandant of the NDA.

Rear Adm. Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval StaffRear Admiral Idi Abbas, born on 20 September 1969 in Kano State, is an Above Water Warfare specialist and a member of the 40th Regular Course of the NDA.He has served aboard several naval vessels and held numerous command and staff positions, including Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command.Before his elevation, he was Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre.Abbas holds several military honours, including the Forces Service Star (fss) and Distinguished Service Star (DSS).

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