The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu‘s recent replacement of the nation’s top military commanders was motivated by a commitment to enhance the country’s security framework, rather than concerns over any purported coup attempts.
On Friday, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, refuted circulating rumors linking the leadership changes within the armed forces to suspicions of disloyalty or mutiny.
He explained that the President’s decision was a strategic move aimed at injecting fresh energy, direction, and focus into the security apparatus, which continues to face challenges such as insurgency, banditry, and other threats to national safety.
“Acting within his constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief, the President has the prerogative to appoint, redeploy, or relieve service chiefs whenever he sees fit,” Onanuga told PUNCH. “This recent adjustment was not triggered by any coup rumors but intended to revitalize the armed forces.”
The dismissal of the Chief of Defence Staff along with the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force represents the second significant overhaul of military leadership since Tinubu took office in 2023.
Insider sources at Defence Headquarters reveal that the President’s dissatisfaction with the sluggish progress of security operations-particularly in northern regions plagued by persistent banditry and kidnappings despite substantial military presence-prompted the shake-up.
Security analysts interpret the reshuffle as a clear indication of Tinubu’s desire to synchronize military leadership with his comprehensive national security agenda, which prioritizes intelligence-led missions, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and modernization of defense capabilities.
Onanuga also warned against politicizing the President’s move, labeling the coup speculations as “unfounded and malicious attempts to undermine the government.”
“Those propagating such narratives lack an understanding of the military’s operational framework,” he added. “The Nigerian Armed Forces remain steadfastly loyal to the constitution and the Commander-in-Chief. This is a routine exercise of executive authority.”
The Presidency’s statement follows a surge of social media speculation triggered by reports of unusual troop movements in certain military units earlier in the week, which officials have dismissed as standard operational adjustments.
Experts in security affairs note that the timing of the leadership changes highlights Tinubu’s focus on consolidating stability while enhancing military effectiveness. Defence analyst Kabiru Adamu commented, “This is a leader ensuring that military loyalty is coupled with tangible results.”
The newly appointed service chiefs, whose identities were announced by the Presidency late Thursday, are expected to bring innovative approaches to ongoing counterterrorism and internal security efforts.
Meanwhile, the Presidency reaffirmed its trust in the armed forces and called on Nigerians to support the new leadership as it strives to protect the nation.
“There is no reason for concern,” Onanuga reassured. “The President’s goal is to build a more efficient, responsive, and professional military capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties.”
Through this reshuffle, President Tinubu demonstrates a clear intention to strengthen control over Nigeria’s security sector-not out of fear of insurrection, but to invigorate a vital government institution amid evolving national security challenges.