Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs Amid Alleged Coup Attempt

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a sweeping shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, a move that has generated intense national debate amid widespread rumours of a foiled coup attempt.

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, the President said the decision was aimed at strengthening the country’s national security architecture.

Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff, while Major-General W. Shaibu becomes the new Chief of Army Staff. Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as the Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes the position of Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement read, adding that President Tinubu expressed his “profound appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.”

The President also charged the newly appointed officers to “justify the confidence reposed in them and strengthen the professionalism, vigilance, and unity that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”


Public Reactions Trail Shake-Up

The announcement has triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians, especially on social media platform X

While some citizens applauded the President’s decisiveness, describing it as a timely and strategic step to safeguard democracy, others expressed scepticism, linking the reshuffle to the alleged coup attempt.

User @Its_Olayinnka wrote, “The rumour about the coup was true then. This is a good development. We cannot have another military rule.”

Another commentator, @Ohamadikae, said, “For the first time, I’m pleased with Tinubu’s decision. Despite our political differences, his safety and the survival of democracy matter.”

However, some Nigerians questioned the suddenness of the changes. @djokaymegamixer commented, “There’s nothing wrong with exercising presidential powers, but the timing is curious. Was there a midnight revelation, or are we not being told something?”

Analysts Call for Calm and Transparency

Political analysts have urged the government to handle the situation with transparency to avoid misinformation and unnecessary panic.

Public affairs analyst, Dr. Pedro Obi, lauded the government’s discreet handling of what he described as a sensitive national security situation, noting that “if it were a previous administration, such a change would have been mishandled in the public domain.”

Security experts have also advised the new service chiefs to focus on rebuilding public trust in the Armed Forces and tackling persistent security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and internal sabotage.