Nigeria: massive military reshuffle after rumors of a coup d’état
A major reorganization of Nigeria’s military hierarchy was announced this weekend by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, against a tense backdrop in which rumors of a coup attempt have resurfaced.
The reshuffle affects the very top of the military: the Chief of the Defence Staff, as well as the heads of the army, the navy and the air force have been replaced with immediate effect.
Officially, the decision is intended to “strengthen the national security architecture,” according to a presidential statement. However, the proximity between this reshuffle and unconfirmed reports from several media outlets about the detention of senior officers suspected of plotting against the civilian government has drawn attention.
In a historical context marked by multiple military coups in Nigeria since its independence, any large-scale change at the head of the armed forces fuels mistrust.
Observers say it is a strong signal sent by Tinubu to assert his authority over the military and to head off potential internal frictions or latent dissension.
To date, no public evidence has been presented to confirm a formal attempt to overthrow the government. Nevertheless, the sequence of events — arrests, questioning by intelligence services, then the reshuffle — casts a shadow of instability over Nigeria’s security apparatus.
The population is now watching closely for forthcoming reactions, in particular whether official investigations will be launched, whether military orders will be issued, or whether other senior officers will be replaced. Most likely, this move aims as much to reassure public opinion as to prevent any weakness in the chain of command.
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