A new era of military leadership has begun in Nigeria as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly appointed Service Chiefs were confirmed by the Senate after a rigorous two-hour closed-door screening session on Wednesday.
The appointments — Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff — mark a significant shift in the country’s defence strategy aimed at boosting technology-driven warfare, local arms production, and improved troop welfare.
Following their confirmation, the new military heads are expected to be decorated by President Tinubu today and officially assume office with a mandate to strengthen national security, curb insurgency, and modernize the armed forces.
During their interaction with senators, the Service Chiefs outlined an ambitious reform agenda focused on synergy, innovation, and welfare.
General Oluyede, the new CDS, pledged to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on foreign weapon suppliers, insisting that the country must become self-reliant in arms production.
“We cannot continue to rely on foreign suppliers for our weapons. It is both economically unsustainable and strategically risky,” Oluyede said.
He promised to pursue intelligence-led and data-driven operations while ensuring the welfare of soldiers and their families through better healthcare, housing, and education.
He also emphasized the need for a comprehensive police reform that would reposition the police to handle internal security matters, allowing the military to focus strictly on external defence.
“The military alone cannot secure Nigeria. Security is everyone’s business,” he added.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to revamp maritime security through drone technology and enhanced surveillance systems to combat oil theft, piracy, and illegal maritime activities. He dismissed the idea of establishing a separate Coast Guard, stating that the Navy already performs those functions constitutionally.
“What we need is better funding and modern surveillance systems,” Abbas asserted.
He revealed plans to deploy drones for real-time monitoring of remote creeks and said a new Special Operations Command had been set up in Makurdi to strengthen security along the Benue-Lokoja waterways. Abbas also called for reintegration and justice-focused rehabilitation programs for repentant militants.
On his part, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke promised to transform the Nigerian Air Force into a “combat-ready, disciplined, and technologically advanced” institution. He noted that modern warfare now relies heavily on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and pledged massive investment in drone technology and rapid-response capabilities.
“Unmanned aerial systems can perform many missions faster and safer than manned aircraft. We will invest in them,” Aneke said.
He assured lawmakers that Nigeria’s $1.2 billion Super Tucano aircraft fleet remains operational and continues to play a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations across the North-East and North-West.
“Each missile costs about $100,000 — the price of peace,” he added, underscoring the high cost of national security.
The Service Chiefs collectively pledged allegiance to President Tinubu’s defence reform agenda, promising transparency, professionalism, and measurable results in tackling insecurity.
Senators commended their bold vision. Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) hailed Oluyede’s experience in the fight against insurgency, while Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) urged prioritization of troop welfare.
With their confirmation now complete, the Service Chiefs form the backbone of Tinubu’s new national security structure. They are expected to restore peace in the North-East, end banditry in the North-West, and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity through coordinated joint operations across land, sea, and air.
“We are here to serve. Every naira invested in the military must translate into peace, safety, and pride for Nigerians,” Air Vice Marshal Aneke affirmed.
The House of Representatives also screened the Service Chiefs and expressed confidence in their readiness to deliver, with the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, commending their professionalism and assuring legislative support for defence innovation and personnel welfare.
