Presidency Dismisses Coup Rumour As Tinubu Replaces Service Chiefs

… Presidential aide insists appointments within constitutional powers

… New service chiefs to inject fresh energy into counterterrorism efforts

Daud Olatunji

The Presidency on Friday dismissed claims linking President Bola Tinubu’s replacement of the nation’s Service Chiefs to an alleged coup attempt within the military, describing the exercise as a normal administrative action carried out in line with constitutional powers.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the President’s decision to overhaul the military leadership was aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture for greater efficiency.

According to Dare, Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, reserves the constitutional authority to appoint or replace Service Chiefs at any time in pursuit of national security objectives.

“The appointment of new Service Chiefs is routine. The President, as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, can make such changes just as he did with ministers a few months ago,” Dare stated.

He cautioned against misinterpreting the move as a reaction to instability within the military or as validation of social media rumours alleging a coup attempt, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy remains stable and secure.

“The President remains committed to strengthening the defence institutions and ensuring effective coordination among the Armed Forces,” he added.

Earlier on Friday, President Tinubu announced the sack of former Service Chiefs and approved the appointment of their replacements in what is widely regarded as a major shake-up in the nation’s security leadership.

According to the statement, the President named Major-General W. as the new Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. He had earlier appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and leadership, urging the new appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to further enhance professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship within the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement read.

The development comes amid persistent security challenges across parts of the country, with citizens expressing cautious optimism that the new military leadership will bring renewed energy, discipline, and strategy to the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes

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