Nigeria's Tinubu sacks military chiefs after 'coup plot' rumours

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has sacked his military high command, his spokesman Sunday Dare has said.

The dismissals are meant to “strengthen the national security architecture”, according to a statement, and come days after the Defence Department denied claims of a coup plot.

General Olufemi Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff, the president’s spokesman said in a statement.

President Tinubu also appointed new heads of the army, air force and navy.

Major General W. Shaibu takes over as the new chief of army staff and Air Vice Marshal S.K Aneke takes over as the new chief of air staff.

Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff while Chief of Defence Intelligence Major General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.

“The president expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” the president’s spokesman said.