Nigeria has carried out a sweeping replacement of its top security officials, only days after publicly denying rumors of a coup plot involving senior military officers. The decision marks one of President Bola Tinubu’s most significant security shake-ups since he took office, sparking new debate about the country’s stability and leadership direction.

According to an official statement, the changes took effect immediately. General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Other appointments include Major General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Vice Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

The announcement follows days of speculation after Nigeria’s armed forces strongly denied reports that several officers were arrested over an alleged coup attempt. In a statement, military spokesperson Major General Edward Buba dismissed the rumors as “baseless and untrue,” insisting that the country’s security institutions remain loyal to democratic governance.

Major reshuffle amid rising insecurity

The leadership overhaul comes as Nigeria continues to battle complex security challenges. The Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, bandit attacks in the northwest, and separatist movements in the southeast have all strained national stability. Many analysts believe the new appointments aim to inject fresh energy into the military’s operations and restore public confidence in government authority.

Observers, however, have noted the timing of the reshuffle, linking it to the government’s recent efforts to manage political tension following the coup rumors. While the presidency has not tied the appointments directly to those reports, the changes are being interpreted as both a strategic and political move.

President Tinubu’s administration has pledged to strengthen security coordination and modernize Nigeria’s defense strategy. The new security chiefs are expected to align closely with these priorities, focusing on intelligence sharing, counter-terror operations, and border security.

As Nigeria replaces top security officials amid intense speculation, citizens are watching closely to see whether the new leadership will deliver meaningful improvements in safety and stability.