The Presidency has offered clarification on the recent dismissal and replacement of Nigeria’s service chiefs, dismissing speculation that the move was linked to a rumoured coup attempt.
Speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Bola Tinubu acted fully within his constitutional powers to restructure the military leadership and “inject new direction” into the armed forces.
“Service chiefs can be hired and fired by the President. He is the Commander-in-Chief. He has the power to hire and fire,” Onanuga stated.
New military appointments
On Friday, President Tinubu announced sweeping changes in the nation’s military hierarchy.
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, named General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
Other appointments include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
The President urged the new service chiefs to enhance professionalism, vigilance, and cooperation within the armed forces. The appointments take immediate effect.
Rumours of coup plot dismissed
The changes come less than a week after reports circulated online alleging that some military officers had plotted to overthrow the government.
The Defence Headquarters, however, dismissed the story as “false and intended to cause unnecessary tension,” explaining that the alleged arrests of military officers were linked to “issues of indiscipline,” not a coup attempt.
Despite the denial, the timing of the overhaul has continued to raise public speculation about possible internal unrest within the military.
Presidency: It’s about fresh energy, not rumours
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, further clarified that the shake-up followed two years of sustained military operations under the outgoing chiefs.
“This is not a reaction to any rumour of coups. The service chiefs have done two years. The President wants to inject new direction, vision, vigour, and energy into the military,” Ajayi said.
He explained that Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, IPOB/ESN activities, and kidnappings, noting that the President’s decision was aimed at strengthening national security coordination.
Ajayi added that Tinubu’s action was lawful and consistent with constitutional provisions:
“Every appointee of government, whether minister, agency head, or service chief, serves at the President’s pleasure. Only the President and Vice President have guaranteed tenure.”
He also linked the restructuring to Tinubu’s long-term goal of addressing Nigeria’s heavy defence spending, saying the government hopes to redirect funds toward power, roads, broadband, education, and healthcare.
Political, public reactions
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Federal Government to offer a clearer explanation, warning that the decision could fuel “rumours and conspiracy theories” rather than calm them.
“We note that nearly all the service chiefs removed were appointed just over two years ago. This kind of decision has serious implications for stability within the ranks,” said Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary.
On social media, Nigerians shared divided opinions. While some linked the shake-up to the alleged coup report, others viewed it as a strategic move to reinvigorate the military.
Security experts react
Security experts also expressed mixed reactions to the appointments.
Former Army legal director Col. Yomi Dare (retd.) described the move as “a morale booster,” urging the new chiefs to build on the successes and lessons of their predecessors.
Former DSS director Mike Ejiofor said the key issue was not leadership change but funding and operational challenges, noting that “the defence budget remains largely under-implemented.”
Security analyst Akogun-Abudu Oluwamayowa questioned the effectiveness of frequent leadership changes, arguing that real security reform must address “border control, soldier welfare, and operational logistics.”
He added, “The best welfare for soldiers is their well-being. Their salaries are poor, and they face tough conditions. The new chiefs should prioritise their welfare.”
