The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is the highest-ranking military officer in the Nigerian Armed Forces. The CDS is always a senior commissioned officer appointed by the President, who serves as Commander-in-Chief.
Established officially under Nigeria’s post-1979 constitutional structure, the CDS is entrusted with broad responsibilities: formulating defence policy, coordinating operations across the Army, Navy and Air Force, and ensuring the operational readiness and security effectiveness of the entire military.
Below is a current and historical list of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Nigeria, followed by a look at the current officeholder and what the position entails.
List of Chief of Defence Staff in Nigeria (1980 – 2025)
READ MORE: What Are the Ranks in the Nigerian Army?
Who is the Current Chief of Defence Staff (2025)
As of 30 October 2025, the current Chief of Defence Staff in Nigeria is Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede. He succeeded General Christopher Musa, following a major reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Before his appointment as CDS, Oluyede served as Chief of Army Staff (COAS). His military career spans decades, and under his leadership the Nigerian Armed Forces hope to intensify efforts against insurgency, uphold discipline and adapt to evolving security challenges.
Role & Responsibilities of the Chief of Defence Staff
The CDS holds a critical role in Nigeria’s defence structure. Key responsibilities include:
- Formulating and implementing defense strategies and policy across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Overseeing operational readiness and coordination of military operations.
- Advising the President (Commander-in-Chief) and supervising the Honourable Minister of Defence on military matters.
- Ensuring the structural and administrative coordination of the entire armed forces for effective national security.
- Collaborating with the individual service chiefs (Army, Navy, Air Force) to maintain discipline, training, and resource allocation.
Because the CDS is a central figure in Nigeria’s security architecture, the holder’s leadership style, strategy, and decisions significantly impact national stability, especially amid insurgency and internal security challenges.
Why “List of Chief of Defence Staff in Nigeria” Matters
For students, researchers, and citizens interested in Nigeria’s military history or tracking security leadership, a compiled list of all CDS holders is a valuable reference. It helps:
- Understand periods of military leadership and correlate them with historical events.
- Track changes in command and their impact on national security strategy.
- Provide context when analyzing Nigeria’s response to insurgency, internal conflicts, or defence reforms.
- Maintain an accessible record of service chiefs for transparency and historical record-keeping.
READ ALSO: List Of Ministers Of Defence In Nigeria From 1960 Till Date
Summary
The position of Chief of Defence Staff in Nigeria remains the most senior and influential military office. Over time, many distinguished officers such as Ipoola Alani Akinrinade, Alexander Ogomudia, Abayomi Olonisakin, Christopher Musa and now Olufemi Oluyede have held this honour.
Today’s security challenges demand strong, strategic, and courageous leadership — qualities expected of the current CDS and his team.
For anyone searching for a “List of Chief of Defence Staff in Nigeria,” this article provides a solid starting point. As history moves on and new appointments are made, keeping this list updated is essential for accurate public record and informed discourse.
