The Senate has approved the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, along with the newly nominated heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Major General Waidi Shaibu takes charge as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas becomes Chief of Naval Staff, while Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke assumes duty as Chief of Air Staff.
Before the nominees were screened, Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that lawmakers would hold a brief open session before moving into a closed-door meeting to discuss sensitive national security matters. The confirmation followed a lengthy session that lasted several hours behind closed doors.
Appearing before the Senate, Lieutenant General Oluyede emphasized the urgent need for the Federal Government to strengthen and adequately fund the Nigeria Police Force so that it can take full responsibility for internal security operations. He argued that the military should be allowed to focus on its constitutional role of defending the nation from external aggression.
Drawing from his over three decades of military service, the former Chief of Army Staff said that although his tenure was demanding, Nigeria’s security situation had improved under his leadership. He noted that sustained funding challenges continue to hinder the full capacity of the armed forces.
Oluyede appealed for greater national support and increased investment in local production of military equipment, describing Nigeria’s dependence on imported hardware as expensive and unsustainable. He also urged lawmakers to create stronger regulations guiding the handling of classified military information to prevent breaches that could endanger national security.
“I strongly believe the police should be restructured and empowered to handle domestic security matters,” he said. “The military’s primary focus should be defending the country’s borders and combating terrorism. Security is everyone’s responsibility — citizens, communities, and institutions must all play their part.”
During the session, lawmakers commended General Oluyede for his dedication and leadership in the fight against insecurity. Senate President Akpabio particularly praised him for leading from the front, describing him as a field commander rather than an office general.
“You have served this country with distinction,” Akpabio said. “Under your leadership, no part of Nigeria flies the Boko Haram flag. Attacks have been reduced to isolated incidents, and the country is safer because of your commitment. Nigerians are proud of your record.”
Meanwhile, during his screening, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the nominee for Chief of Naval Staff, opposed the proposed bill to create a Nigerian Coast Guard. He warned that establishing a new agency would only duplicate existing functions and drain resources. Abbas suggested that rather than funding a new outfit, the same resources should be directed to the Nigerian Navy to strengthen its operations and maritime security capacity.
The confirmation of the new service chiefs marks a renewed phase in the nation’s security leadership as President Bola Tinubu’s administration seeks to consolidate efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, and other threats across the country.
