In late 2025, Nigeria’s federal government announced major changes to the leadership of its armed forces and took steps to expand police numbers in response to widespread insecurity. These developments occurred against a backdrop of persistent violent attacks by armed groups, community clashes, and high‑profile mass kidnappings in several states. Recent announcements by the presidency framed these actions as necessary responses to national security challenges rather than partisan political manoeuvres
Major Leadership Reshuffle in the Military
On 24 October 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a comprehensive change of heads in Nigeria’s military hierarchy.
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The appointments were communicated by the presidential media adviser and took immediate effect:
- General Olufemi Oluyede was appointed Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
- Major‑General Waidi Shaibu became Chief of Army Staff.
- Air Vice‑Marshal S. K. Aneke was named Chief of Air Staff.
- Rear Admiral I. Abbas was appointed Chief of Naval Staff.
- The position of Chief of Defence Intelligence was retained by Major‑General E.A.P. Undiendeye.
Official statements described the reshuffle as part of ongoing efforts “to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture” and improve professionalism, vigilance and coordination within the armed forces. Analysts and military commentators characterised the changes as routine adjustments under the president’s constitutional powers as Commander‑in‑Chief.
Declaration of Nationwide Security Emergency
On 26 November 2025, President Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency following a rise in violent incidents, including mass kidnappings and attacks by organised criminal groups. The emergency declaration triggered several measures:
- Expansion of the police force with an additional 20 000 officers, increasing the total authorised strength to 50 000.
- The use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary police training facilities.
- Redeployment of police officers previously assigned to VIP protection duties to frontline security operations.
- Empowerment of the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards to pursue criminals and insurgents hiding in remote areas.
The president’s statement highlighted the need to enhance operational capacity in the face of persistent threats from armed drug cartels, bandits, extremist groups, and communal violence.
Context: Worsening Security Landscape
Nigeria has grappled with longstanding security challenges for years. Militant groups including Boko Haram and its splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), remain active in the northeast, while armed banditry and kidnappings plague parts of the northwest and central regions. High‑profile incidents, such as the abduction of hundreds of schoolchildren, underscored persistent security gaps and drew international attention to Nigeria’s vulnerabilities.
These complex and evolving threats have stretched Nigeria’s security institutions, which scholars and analysts say face structural weaknesses including under‑resourcing, overlapping mandates, and limited accountability mechanisms. Over time, these challenges have eroded capacity for proactive policing and community protection.
What the Leadership Changes Signal
In democracies and fragile security environments, changes in security leadership are not uncommon. Command adjustments can reflect a government’s attempt to reinvigorate strategic direction or introduce fresh operational emphasis. In Nigeria’s case, the appointments and security emergency declaration occurred amid intense public pressure to improve safety and reduce violence. The federal government presented these decisions as tactical responses to mounting threats rather than political instruments to silence opposition.
There is no publicly verified evidence indicating that the reshuffles were deliberately designed to curb political dissent. Instead, authorities have emphasised the urgency of enhancing operational effectiveness, coordinating intelligence, and restoring public confidence in national security architecture.
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Expert Perspectives on Reform Needs
Security analysts and policy experts widely acknowledge that Nigeria’s security sector requires deeper reforms. These include professionalising police and military training, clarifying agency mandates to reduce duplication, expanding intelligence‑led operations, and strengthening civilian oversight mechanisms. Long‑term improvements must address both institutional capacity and the socio‑economic roots of unrest.
Recent changes in Nigeria’s police and military leadership and the declaration of a security emergency are grounded in a realistic appraisal of the country’s security crisis. They reflect the government’s response to documented threats rather than a verified strategy to repress political opposition. The appointments and expanded recruitment aim to strengthen operational capacity, streamline coordination, and protect communities from escalating violence.
Author’s Note
This article explains the 2025 changes in Nigeria’s police and military leadership and evaluates them within the country’s ongoing fight against violent threats. The nationwide security emergency and appointments of new service chiefs were driven by escalating insurgency, banditry and kidnappings across multiple states, as well as long‑standing concerns about under‑resourced security institutions. While leadership reshuffles naturally attract speculation, there is no verified evidence that these actions were designed primarily to suppress political dissent. Instead, they reflect an urgent attempt by the federal government to bolster national security capacity and improve operational responses for the safety of citizens.
References
- President Tinubu sacks service chiefs and appoints new military leadership.
- Tinubu declares national security emergency and orders army and police recruitment.
- Nigeria’s president declares emergency and boosts forces following abductions.
