● Army Launches Massive Shake-Up as New Service Chiefs Take Command
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday gave Nigeria’s new Service Chiefs a blunt marching order — end terrorism, banditry, and every form of criminality or step aside.
Speaking shortly after decorating the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and other Service Chiefs with their ranks at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President said Nigerians were tired of excuses and wanted results.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” Tinubu declared, his voice firm as he addressed the senior officers. “Nigerians expect results, not excuses. Be innovative, pre-emptive and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace.”
He warned the new security helmsmen not to allow the resurgence of armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, saying such threats must be crushed immediately.
“We must not allow these new threats to fester,” Tinubu said. “Let us smash the new snakes right at the head.”
The President also assured the Armed Forces of the government’s full backing in their operations, adding that the safety and security of citizens remained paramount to his administration.
“There were times when terrorists and marauders held significant portions of our land; this is no longer the case,” he said. “I will provide all the support you need to finish the job and restore lasting peace to our nation.”
The newly decorated Service Chiefs — General Olufemi Oluyede (CDS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (COAS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (CNS), and Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke (CAS) — were joined by other top officers including Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Responding on behalf of the Service Chiefs, General Oluyede pledged loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and vowed to restore lasting peace.
“Security is everyone’s business,” he said. “Without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. Together, we will make Nigeria a safer place.”
Army Shake-Up to Reinforce Tinubu’s Directive
In what appeared to be an immediate response to the President’s call for renewed vigour, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, later approved a massive reshuffle affecting top officers across formations, corps, and training institutions of the Nigerian Army.
The reorganization, announced in a statement by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, was described as a “decisive move aimed at reinvigorating leadership, strengthening command structures, and repositioning the Nigerian Army for heightened operational effectiveness.”
Under the new postings, Major General Bamidele Alabi becomes Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), while Major General Mayirenso Saraso assumes the role of Chief of Operations (Army). Other key redeployments include Major General Isa Abdullahi as Chief of Administration (Army), and Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs.
Several senior officers also took command of strategic corps: Major General Godwin Mutkut now leads the Infantry Corps; Major General Umar Abubakar heads the Armour Corps; and Major General John Adeyemo takes over as Corps Commander Artillery.
In addition, Major General Olatokumbo Bello was appointed Director of Defence Media Operations, while Brigadier General Samaila Uba assumes duty as Director of Defence Information.
The reshuffle also affected commandants of major training institutions, including the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, where Major General Oluyemi Olatoye was appointed Commandant.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the officers to justify their new responsibilities, stressing professionalism and interagency collaboration.
“This is a call to service, not ceremony,” he stated. “You must bring to bear your wealth of experience and uphold the Army’s core values of loyalty, selfless service, integrity, and excellence.”
Renewed Hope, Renewed Strategy
Defence analysts say the synchronized messages from the President and the Army hierarchy signal a unified front against Nigeria’s complex security threats. With the new chiefs in place and a refreshed command structure across the Army, expectations are high that the Armed Forces will deliver tangible results.
For many Nigerians, the renewed energy from the nation’s leadership marks a crucial test of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda — one that could determine whether the country finally turns the tide against terrorism and banditry after more than a decade of conflict.
“This is the beginning of a new phase,” a senior military source said. “The President has given clear marching orders, and the Army has responded with action. Now, the results must follow.”
