President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and other top military officers, days after reports emerged that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) apprehended several officers, including a Brigadier-General and a Colonel, over an alleged plan to overthrow his administration.
According to a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, General Olufemi Oluyede, formerly Chief of Army Staff, has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Major-General W. Shaibu now serves as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas becomes Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.
The shake-up has ignited widespread discussion on social media, with many Nigerians linking the dismissals to the recent alleged coup attempt. Reactions ranged from viewing the move as a precautionary measure to interpreting it as confirmation of the conspiracy.
Social media users expressed mixed opinions:
@Mario9jaa wrote, “Coup attempt allegations last week, service chiefs changed this week. In charge.”
@Ohiremenn added, “No time to take chances.”
@ennyola0015 commented, “The coup d’état rumor turned out to be true. President Tinubu’s decision to sack the service chiefs wasn’t merely precautionary; it was bold and assertive.”
@Arewa_Source suggested a regional dimension: “Spreading all that coup rumor just to justify removing a Northerner and replacing him with a Yoruba man as Chief of Defense Staff. Well played.”
Observers note that the rapid changes at the top of Nigeria’s military reflect the administration’s intent to maintain stability and assert authority amid circulating reports of dissent within the armed forces.
