Mass Retirement: Over 50 Military Generals to Retire as President Tinubu Appoints New Service Chiefs
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Nigeria’s Armed Forces are set for a major shake-up following the appointment of new Service Chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a development expected to trigger the retirement of more than 50 senior officers.
Findings indicate that no fewer than 60 Generals across the Army, Navy, and Air Force will be affected by the reorganization — part of a wider effort to rejuvenate the military command structure.
The changes, announced on Friday, saw General Christopher Musa relieved of his position as Chief of Defence Staff alongside other top commanders.
Under the new appointments, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede — until now the Chief of Army Staff — has been named the Chief of Defence Staff.
Major-General Waidi Shaibu becomes the Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff.
The new Chief of Naval Staff is Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Military insiders said the shake-up will, as tradition demands, lead to the retirement of officers senior to the newly appointed chiefs.
“THE NEWLY APPOINTED SERVICE CHIEFS WILL BE DECORATED WITH THEIR RANKS ANY MOMENT FROM NOW. AS SUCH, THEIR SENIORS WHO ARE STILL IN SERVICE WILL EXIT,” ONE SOURCE CONFIRMED.
Officers from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Regular Courses 38, 39, and some from Course 40 are among those expected to leave the service.
According to defence sources, the development aligns with long-standing military protocol designed to preserve hierarchy, discipline, and the integrity of the chain of command.
The Presidency, through a statement signed by Sunday Dare, said the decision was made to strengthen national security and improve coordination across the Armed Forces.
The announcement comes amid heightened attention to internal security and recent reports of an alleged coup plot circulating in the media.
Security analysts say the mass retirement could open up opportunities for younger commanders to emerge, potentially revitalizing ongoing military operations.
Former Army spokesperson, Brigadier-General Sani Usman Kukasheka (rtd), described the move as routine.
“IT IS A REGULAR PRACTICE IN THE MILITARY. LEADERSHIP ROTATION BRINGS NEW ENERGY TO OPERATIONS,” HE SAID.
The Presidency commended the outgoing senior officers for their patriotic service and dedication, emphasizing that the restructuring was part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing national defence effectiveness.
