LAGOS, Nigeria

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday replaced the country's military chiefs with new appointees. 

Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina announced the appointments in a statement. "The President congratulates the new Service Chiefs, and urges them to be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of their responsibilities," he said.

Gen. Leo Irabor is the new chief of defense staff, Gen. I. Attahiru has been appointed as the chief of army staff, and Air Vice-Marshal Amao has become the chief of air staff, while Rear Admiral A.Z. Gambo is the chief of naval staff.

There had been calls for months for a change in military leadership following increasing terror attacks in the northeast region.