October 29, (THEWILL) — The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of the new service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu, following a rigorous screening session.
The confirmed officers include 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.
Their confirmation followed the adoption of a report presented by the Senate Committee on Defence, which conducted a closed-door screening of the nominees earlier in the day.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, commended the nominees for their distinguished service records and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by improving the nation’s security.
During their screening, the service chiefs outlined their strategies to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across the country. They promised greater collaboration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force to enhance intelligence sharing and operational efficiency.
Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyede, pledged to modernise the armed forces through technology-driven operations and improved troop welfare. He said the military would focus on intelligence-led joint operations to ensure lasting peace across Nigeria.
Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, vowed to strengthen maritime security and combat oil theft and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. He emphasised the need for modern surveillance systems and better funding for naval operations.
On his part, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, said his leadership would focus on deploying more unmanned aerial systems and training pilots for quick response to insurgent attacks. He assured that the Nigerian Air Force would remain combat-ready and professional.
The new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Shaibu, promised to build on existing counter-insurgency operations and enhance discipline within the ranks. He said the Army would continue to collaborate closely with other security agencies to restore peace in troubled regions.
The service chiefs collectively pledged loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and assured Nigerians that they would deliver tangible results in the fight against insecurity.
Senators across party lines expressed confidence in the nominees and called for improved welfare and logistics support for troops on the frontlines.
With their confirmation, the new military leadership is now expected to drive President Tinubu’s renewed strategy for national security and stability.
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