The Presidency has shed more light on why President Bola Tinubu decided to remove and replace Nigeria’s service chiefs, saying the move was not connected to any rumored coup plot but was meant to bring “fresh energy and direction” into the military.
Speaking on Friday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu acted fully within his constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief.
“Service chiefs can be hired and fired by the President. He has that authority. He is the Commander-in-Chief,” Onanuga explained.
On Friday, Tinubu announced sweeping changes in the military leadership.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff to replace General Christopher Musa.
The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas takes over as Chief of Naval Staff, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Tinubu charged the new service chiefs to justify his confidence in them by improving professionalism, vigilance, and teamwork within the armed forces. Their appointments took effect immediately.
Coup Rumours Dismissed
The reshuffle came just a week after reports surfaced online about an alleged coup plot. The story, first published by Sahara Reporters, claimed that 16 military officers had been arrested in connection with a supposed plan to remove President Tinubu.
The report also alleged that the cancellation of the Independence Day military parade was linked to growing unrest within the military.
However, the Defence Headquarters swiftly denied the report. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the military described the claim as false and mischievous, saying it was designed to cause unnecessary panic and distrust among citizens.
According to Gusau, the cancellation of the parade was a “purely administrative decision,” and the detained officers were only being investigated for issues of indiscipline — not treason.
“It’s About New Energy, Not Coup Rumours” — Presidency
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, also dismissed any connection between the changes and the rumored coup.
“This is not a reaction to any rumour of coups. The service chiefs have done two years. The President simply wants to inject new direction, new vision, and new energy into the military,” Ajayi said.
He noted that Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges — from Boko Haram in the North-East to banditry in the North-West, IPOB in the South-East, and kidnapping across the South-West and North-Central.
Ajayi added that Tinubu’s decision was also influenced by the need to make better use of the country’s growing defence budget.
“For over 15 years, security has been taking the largest share of our national budget. The President wants to address these challenges once and for all so that funds can go into other key areas like power, roads, broadband, education, and healthcare,” he said.
He stressed that all appointees — including service chiefs — serve at the President’s pleasure, meaning they can be replaced at any time.
Public Reaction and Political Responses
Despite the Presidency’s explanations, many Nigerians have continued to speculate about the timing of the decision.
On social media platform X, some users linked the sackings to the recent coup rumours. One user wrote,
“There were rumours of a coup last week, and now the service chiefs have been sacked. Even though the military denied it, this timing doesn’t look coincidental.”
Another user added,
“If there wasn’t a coup attempt, why the sudden overhaul of the entire military leadership?”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has also demanded a clear explanation from the government.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said,
“Nearly all the removed service chiefs were appointed just about two years ago. This kind of major change has far-reaching implications for military stability. The Federal Government owes Nigerians a clear explanation.”
The ADC also warned that, given recent events in countries like Chad and Niger, such abrupt decisions could fuel unnecessary anxiety.
Experts React
Security experts have expressed mixed opinions about the shake-up.
Retired Army Colonel Yomi Dare, a former Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Army, described the move as “a morale booster” for younger officers.
“There’s no negative implication. The outgoing chiefs have done their part. It’s now time for the new ones to bring in fresh ideas and build on what has been achieved,” he said.
A former DSS Director, Mike Ejiofor, however, noted that while the President has every right to change the chiefs, the real challenge lies in funding and logistics.
“Changing service chiefs alone won’t solve insecurity. They’re working under difficult conditions, and defence funds are often delayed,” he said.
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Security analyst Akogun-Abudu Oluwamayowa argued that the timing was unnecessary, saying the focus should be on border control and welfare for soldiers.
“Our soldiers are overworked and underpaid. The best welfare is not just training but ensuring they’re well cared for,” he said.
Bottom Line
While the Presidency insists the shake-up is part of efforts to reposition the military for greater efficiency, public suspicion and political debate around the timing of the move continue to linger — leaving many Nigerians watching closely to see how the new service chiefs perform in the months ahead.
