Oluyede Replaces Musa as CDS as Tinubu Appoints New Service Chiefs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen the country’s national security architecture. The announcement marks one of the most significant military leadership changes since Tinubu assumed office. According to a statement released on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Christopher Musa. The appointment takes immediate effect. In the statement, President Tinubu also named Major-General W. Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as the new Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will retain his position. The president’s latest appointments are aimed at ensuring continuity, professionalism, and a renewed strategic direction in addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges. The move comes amid ongoing counterterrorism operations, banditry concerns, and efforts to restore peace across conflict-prone regions. Tinubu expressed his appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for their patriotic service and commitment to the nation. He commended their leadership and dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during their tenure. “Their sacrifices and contributions to national stability will never be forgotten,” the president said, as quoted in the official statement. He further urged the new appointees to uphold discipline, loyalty, and excellence in their service to the nation. The newly appointed service chiefs are expected to build upon existing reforms within the defence sector, focusing on intelligence-driven operations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and modernization of military capabilities. President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety of all Nigerians and the defence of the nation’s unity, emphasizing that security remains a top priority in his Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Nigerian Army intensifies efforts to combate oil theft

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed the troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to strengthen operations against oil theft to ensure a significant increase in the nation’s oil production. The COAS issued this directive during a working visit to the 6 Division in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Condemning the current level of crude oil output as inadequate, Lieutenant General Oluyede emphasized that for Nigeria’s economy to thrive, efforts to protect oil production must be ramped up. He called on the troops to work with greater resolve in creating a secure environment for oil exploration and production. He also underscored the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding any association with criminal elements or activities. The COAS warned that any personnel found colluding with economic saboteurs or engaging in unlawful acts will face severe consequences in line with military and national laws. The COAS also urged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their operations and reassured them of his commitment to improving their welfare and providing the necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness. General Oluyede reminded the troops that they are pivotal to the success of the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians, and therefore must approach their duties with the utmost dedication and integrity.

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Tinubu appoints General Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020. Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School. General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade. Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute. Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal. Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is married and has three children.

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