Profiles of Nigeria's new security leaders

President Bola Tinubu on Friday made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Tinubu appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.

Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.

The following below are the profiles of the nation’s new security leaders.

General Olufemi Oluyede

Born on 21 June 1968 in Ikere-Ekiti, Ikere Local Government Area, Ekiti State.

Graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, member of 39 Regular Course.

Holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Economics from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Attended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

Has commanded key formations and served in major operational theatres, including ECOMOG, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, and Operation HADIN ΚΑΙ.

Decorated with numerous honours including NAM, CMH, GSS, psc, mni, FCM, FCMH, TSM, COM, and CCA.

Highly regarded for exemplary leadership, professionalism, and commitment to troop welfare.

Appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2025.

Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye

Born on 2 September 1968 in Obudu LGA, Cross River State.

Graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, UK.

Holds BA (Hons) in History and Master’s in Strategic Security Studies; Fellow, National Defence University, Washington DC.

Attended Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Programme in National and International Security.

Served as Chief of Staff, Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, and Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji.

International experience includes postings with the United Nations in Liberia, Abyei, and New York HQ.

Decorated with Grand Service Star (GSS), Field Command Medal (FCM), and Training Support Medal (TSM); highly regarded for strategic intelligence leadership.

Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke

Born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State; hails from Udi LGA, Enugu State.

Member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, commissioned in 1993.

Holds BSc in Physics, multiple Master’s Degrees in Diplomacy, Political Economy, and Strategic Studies, and a PhD in view.

Alumnus of the US Air War College, Montgomery Alabama.

Has served as Commander, 307 Executive Airlift Group and Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy.

A type-rated pilot with over 4,300 flying hours and operational experience in Congo and Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

Decorated with multiple medals including GSS, DSS, GSM, and FCM; noted for professionalism, calm disposition, and strategic leadership.

Rear Admiral I. Abbas

Born on 20 September 1969, hails from Kano State.

Member of the 40th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, commissioned in 1992.

Rose through the ranks to become Rear Admiral in 2020 after years of meritorious service.

Former Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Played a vital role in combating oil theft and maritime piracy in Nigeria’s coastal areas.

Brings extensive experience in naval operations, policy formulation, and inter-service coordination.

A devoted Muslim, married with children, known for discipline, maturity, and strategic insight.

Major-General W. Shaibu

Born on 18 December 1971 in Olamaboro LGA, Kogi State.

Member of the 41st Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, commissioned in 1994.

Holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, multiple Master’s Degrees (Public Administration, Strategic Studies, Security and Strategic Studies), and a PhD in view.

Attended the National Defence University, Washington DC, and Harvard Kennedy School of Government.