Nigeria replaces chiefs of its security services

Former commander of counter-terrorism operation becomes defense chief as part of major shakeup

By Olanrewaju Kola

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria announced Monday that it has replaced the heads of the army, air force, navy, police and defense intelligence in a major shakeup.

Government spokesman Willie Bassey said the president approved the move.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate retirement of all service chiefs and the inspector-general of police, advisers, and comptroller-general of customs from service as well as their replacements with immediate effect," Bassey said in a statement.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the pioneer executive chairman of the country's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a retired police chief, is now the national security advisor.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa, a former commander of the counter-terrorism operation in the country's northeast region, takes over as the new chief of defense staff.

The president also approved the appointment of new police, army, navy, air force and customs chiefs, according to Bassey.

The move came barely a week after President Tinubu suspended the head of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, indefinitely for abuse of office.

He earlier sacked the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, over alleged abuse of office and other issues.

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