The Nigerian Senate has confirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominees as the nation’s new Service Chiefs following a rigorous, closed-door screening session that focused heavily on Nigeria’s mounting security challenges.
At the end of the over two-hour session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the upper chamber unanimously approved the appointments of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, 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.
Service Chiefs Pledge Sweeping Reforms
During their interaction with senators, the new Service Chiefs pledged to modernise the Armed Forces, strengthen inter-service cooperation, and drive a defence system anchored on technology, local production, and personnel welfare.
General Oluyede, in his opening remarks, said his leadership would champion a “technology-driven, self-reliant” defence structure that reduces Nigeria’s dependence on imported arms.
“We cannot continue to rely on foreign suppliers for our weapons. It is economically unsustainable and strategically risky,” Oluyede declared.
“My focus will be to build a strong local military-industrial base that can produce what we need to defend the nation.”
He further emphasised that his administration would make intelligence-led and data-driven warfare the foundation of joint operations while prioritising welfare, healthcare, housing, and education for soldiers and their families.
“Morale is the backbone of fighting power,” he stated.
Oluyede also called for a comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Police Force to handle internal security challenges, freeing the military to focus on external threats.
“The military alone cannot secure Nigeria. Security is everyone’s business,” he added.
Senators Laud Strategic Vision
Lawmakers commended the Service Chiefs for their focus and strategic clarity. Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) praised Oluyede’s deep experience in counter-insurgency operations, while Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) urged him to make troop welfare a top priority.
Navy Chief Rules Out Coast Guard, Targets Oil Theft
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, promised to overhaul maritime operations, expand drone surveillance, and intensify the war against oil theft and piracy.
He dismissed calls for establishing a Coast Guard, insisting the Navy already performs those functions.
“The Navy’s constitutional roles already cover what a Coast Guard would do. What we need is better funding and modern surveillance systems,” Abbas stated.
He revealed that the Navy had deployed drones to monitor remote creeks and established a Special Operations Command in Makurdi to boost patrols along the Benue-Lokoja waterways.
Abbas also advocated for a victim-centred reintegration process for repentant militants.
“Deradicalisation must include justice and healing,” he said.
Air Force Chief Promises Technology-Driven Warfare
Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, vowed to transform the Nigerian Air Force into a “combat-ready, disciplined, and intelligent” force built on drone technology and rapid-response capability.
“Modern warfare is technology-driven. Unmanned aerial systems perform many missions better and safer than manned aircraft. We will invest in them,” Aneke assured.
He confirmed that Nigeria’s $1.2 billion Super Tucano fleet remains fully operational and integral to the nation’s counter-insurgency efforts.
“They are flying every night in the North-East and North-West. Each missile costs about $100,000 — the price of peace,” he said.
Aneke pledged to prioritise pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and personnel welfare, while seeking legislative backing for defence technology funding.
A Unified Front for National Security
Together, the new Service Chiefs outlined a joint strategy centred on synergy, innovation, and accountability to secure Nigeria’s land, sea, and airspace.
General Oluyede affirmed readiness to work closely with Rear Admiral Abbas to safeguard maritime assets, and with Air Vice Marshal Aneke to ensure air dominance across operational theatres.
All three pledged loyalty to President Tinubu’s defence reform agenda, promising measurable outcomes in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and oil theft.
“We are here to serve. Every naira invested in the military must translate into peace, safety, and pride for Nigerians,” Aneke stated.
With their confirmation, the new Service Chiefs now form the core of President Tinubu’s national security architecture, tasked with restoring stability to the North-East, eliminating banditry in the North-West, and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity across all fronts.
