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Tag: service chiefs

  • US Congressman meets Ribadu, Service Chiefs over terror attacks

    US Congressman meets Ribadu, Service Chiefs over terror attacks

    Congressman Riley M. Moore met with a delegation of senior members of the Federal Government, led by  Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser(NSA). 

    The meeting allowed for a frank, honest, and productive discussion about the ongoing alleged persecution of Christians and ongoing terrorist threats in Nigeria and opportunities for strengthened cooperation and coordination between the United States and Nigeria to end the bloodshed.

    During the meeting, the delegation shared the government’s challenges and concerns regarding counterterrorism, security assistance, protection of vulnerable communities, and ongoing issues involving violence across Nigeria.

    Congressman Moore clearly stated that the United States stands ready to coordinate and cooperate with Nigeria. 

    He said as President Trump made abundantly clear, the United States will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution. 

    Congressman Moore will continue monitoring new developments and pushing the Nigerian government to accept the open hand of cooperation to stop the ongoing persecution and violence against Christians and combat the threat terrorist groups pose to the Nigerian population.

    Congressman Moore, in a statement, said: “Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria. I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    “We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against their population, specifically Christians in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria. 

    “The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States. President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria. I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue.”

    The delegation included: Mallam Nuhu Ribadu – NSA and Leader of the Delegation: Bianca Ojukwu – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; 

    Kayode Egbetokun – Inspector General of Police;

    Chief Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, SAN – Attorney General of the Federation: 

    General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff: Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence;  Ms. Idayat Hassan – Special Adviser to ONSA; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani – Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA; Ambassador Nuru Biu – Acting CDA, Embassy of Nigeria Paul Alabi – Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria.

  • New Service Chiefs and burden of performance

    New Service Chiefs and burden of performance

     Sir: When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the appointment of new service chiefs last week, it marked another major reshuffle at the top of Nigeria’s defence hierarchy — and perhaps, a turning point in the country’s long-running battle against insecurity. The appointments were not just routine bureaucratic changes; they symbolized a critical test of the administration’s resolve to restore peace, order, and stability across Nigeria’s troubled regions.

    The newly appointed service chiefs are General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke, Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye remains the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

    For President Tinubu, this decision could define his administration’s security legacy. Since taking office, he has repeatedly emphasized that security remains his top priority. However, the reality across many parts of the country paints a grim picture. Banditry continues to ravage the Northwest; Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents still pose threats in the Northeast; and incidents of kidnapping and communal violence persist in the North-central and southern regions. The president’s challenge, therefore, lies not just in appointing new commanders but in ensuring they deliver results where their predecessors struggled.

    Many Nigerians welcome the changes as long overdue. Civil society groups and security experts have, however, urged the government to complement the new leadership with reforms that address welfare issues among rank-and-file soldiers. As one retired colonel remarked during a TV interview, “You can change the generals, but if the soldiers on the ground are demoralized, under-equipped, and underpaid, victory will remain elusive.”

    Read Also: Why Mental Health First-Aid Is Essential for Young Nigerians

    Beyond structural reforms, another major test will be the government’s ability to manage public perception and rebuild trust in the military. Over the years, reports of human rights violations and alleged corruption have strained relations between the armed forces and civilians. Analysts argue that the service chiefs must work to restore public confidence through transparency, professionalism, and closer collaboration with communities affected by conflict.

    Nigeria’s security problems are deep-rooted and multifaceted. The new service chiefs will need not only courage but also innovation — leveraging technology, intelligence, and diplomacy to complement brute force. The nation’s future stability will depend largely on how well they synchronize their efforts, sustain troop morale, and win the confidence of Nigerians who, for years, have lived under the shadow of fear.

    In the end, President Tinubu’s gamble on a new generation of military leaders could either redefine his administration’s success or become another episode in the cycle of leadership changes without meaningful impact. For now, Nigerians are hoping that this new dawn in military leadership brings the long-awaited peace the country so desperately deserves.

    •Favour Simon Harris, University of Maiduguri.

  • Be pre-emptive, innovative, courageous, Tinubu orders new Service Chiefs

    Be pre-emptive, innovative, courageous, Tinubu orders new Service Chiefs

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday charged new Service Chiefs to change the direction of ongoing security campaigns by staying pre-emptive of terrorists and criminal gangs.

    Tinubu gave the charge of while decorating the new military chief henchmen at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, tasking them to deploy technology and superior joint planning to “defeat the enemies” and end the insecurity that has dogged the country since 2009.

    “I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace, freedom and stability. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. It is time to defeat the enemies,” he said.

    Underscoring urgency, he told the commanders: “Nigerians expect results, not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace.”

    Tinubu said the ceremony “is beyond symbolism of decoration,” describing it as “the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians,” and stressing that security is the essential element without which everything is rendered meaningless. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu decorates Service Chiefs with new ranks

    “There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefit of governance and democracy,” he stated.

    While saluting the military’s sacrifices and past gains, the President warned that threats are mutating, with the “recent emergence of new armed groups in the troublesome areas of North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South.” 

    He directed the high command to be decisive and proactive: “We must not allow these new threats to fester… Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”

    He hailed troops for reclaiming once-occupied territories: “In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, that time is over. You… rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories. Thank you for the rescue mission. Those areas previously under siege have been rescued, countless kidnapped citizens [freed], and you have significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.”

    The President paid tribute to fallen heroes and thanked their families: “The sacrifices will not be in vain.” 

    He also extended appreciation to the spouses and families of the newly decorated officers: “My deepest thanks and gratitude on behalf of this grateful nation. The security is improving; the sacrifices you make will not be in vain.”

    Calling for tighter inter-service and inter-agency coordination, he directed: “Work together, compare notes, exchange your information effectively and follow up proactively, work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out.” 

    He pledged sustained backing: “I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done.”

    President Tinubu decorated the new military chiefs to match their appointments: General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence; Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Air Marshal Kevin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. 

    The changes, announced last Friday, form part of a strategic reset to refocus and strengthen national security.

    Shortly after his decoration, the Chief of Defense staff, General Oluyede reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ loyalty to the Constitution and the President, promising an intensified campaign to secure the country. 

    “We will do our utmost to rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make our nation safer so socio-economic endeavours can flourish. We pledge our loyalty to Mr. President, and we will continue to support our flourishing democracy,” he said, while urging continued public support: “I thank all Nigerians for the support they have given the Armed Forces, and I expect that they give us more so we can make Nigeria safer.”

    Some of those in attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara/NGF Chair); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Umar Namadi (Jigawa); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; other ministers and senior military officers.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu decorates Service Chiefs with new ranks

    JUST IN: Tinubu decorates Service Chiefs with new ranks

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decorated the new Service Chiefs with their new ranks in the military to suit their new positions.

    The newly decorated handlers of the nation’s Armed Forces include Lieutenant General, now General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, as Chief of Defence Staff; and Major General now Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).

    Others are Major General, now Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS); Air Vice Marshal, now Air Marshal Kevin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral, now Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

    Read Also: JUST IN: New Service Chiefs assume office, vow to fight terrorism, insurgency, others

    Tinubu last Friday announced the replacement of the Service Chiefs, a move that has been attributed to the need to refocus and strengthen national security.

    While commenting on his action, President Tinubu, in a post on his verified X handle, charged the new military chief helmsmen to “deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour”.

    Details Shortly…

  • JUST IN: New Service Chiefs assume office, vow to fight terrorism, insurgency, others

    JUST IN: New Service Chiefs assume office, vow to fight terrorism, insurgency, others

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt.-General Olufemi Oluyede, and the three other Service Chiefs on Thursday assumed duty at the headquarters of their respective service in Abuja, with a promise to sustain the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality in the country 

    The four Service Chiefs were on Wednesday unanimously confirmed by the National Assembly.

    They are: Lt.- General Olufemi Oluyede as  Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, CAS

    In his farewell address, the immediate past CDS General Christopher Musa urged the Officers and the personnel of the Armed forces of Nigeria, to cooperate with the incoming CDS, Gen Oluyede, in the national interest 

    Speaking during a brief handing and taking over ceremony, the new CDS, Lt.-General Oluyede, said: “Accountability, discipline, adequate welfare, loyalty and professionalism” would be the center stage of his leadership philosophy, while fight against banditry, terrorist and all forms of criminality would be pursued vigorously.

    Details shortly…

  • Service chiefs pledge improved security, local arms production, technology use

    Service chiefs pledge improved security, local arms production, technology use

    • Senate confirms CDS, others

    A new era of leadership of the Armed Forces commenced yesterday with the confirmation of the appointments made on Friday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The Senate after two-hour closed-door session, during which the Service Chiefs were screened by the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, announced the confirmation.

    Confirmed are:  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.

    The new military top brass, expected to assume office today after being decorated with their new ranks by President Tinubu and get the Commander-in-Chief’s charge which will include a mandate to end insurgency and general insecurity.

    The CDS will become a four-star general while the heads of Army, Navy and Air Force will become three-star generals.

    The Service Chiefs while answering questions from Senators before the executive session promised sweeping reforms to modernise the Armed Forces, boost troop morale, promote local arms production, use of technology, and deepen cooperation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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    Lt. General Oluyede said his leadership would drive a “technology-driven, self-reliant” defence system that reduces dependence on foreign arms.

    He said: “We cannot continue to rely on foreign suppliers for our weapons. It is economically unsustainable and strategically risky.

    “My focus will be to build a strong local military-industrial base that can produce what we need to defend the nation.”

    He pledged to make intelligence-led, data-driven warfare the backbone of joint operations, while prioritising welfare, healthcare, housing, and education for soldiers’ families.

     “Morale is the backbone of fighting power,” he said.

    Oluyede also called for a comprehensive reform of the police to enable it to take charge of internal security, so as to free the military to focus on external defence.

    “The military alone cannot secure Nigeria. Security is everyone’s business,” he added.

    Senators praised the nominees’ strategic focus, with Borno North Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno commending Oluyede’s experience in the insurgency war, while Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) urged him to treat troop welfare as non-negotiable.

    Rear Admiral Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, promised to overhaul maritime operations, expand drone surveillance, and intensify the fight against piracy and oil theft.

    He also said that there was no need for setting up the proposed Coast Guards, as the Navy is already performing their expected role.

    “The Navy’s constitutional roles already cover what a Coast Guard would do.

    “What we need is better funding and modern surveillance systems,” he said.

    He said the Navy had deployed drones to monitor remote creeks and set up a Special Operations Command in Makurdi to boost patrols on the Benue-Lokoja waterways.

    Abbas also said there is  need for victim-centred reintegration of repentant militants, saying: “Deradicalisation must include justice and healing.”

    Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, vowed to transform the Air Force into a “combat-ready, disciplined, and intelligent” service anchored 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,” he said.

    Aneke assured senators that Nigeria’s $1.2 billion Super Tucano aircraft fleet remains operational and vital to ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

    “They are flying every night in the North-East and North-West. Each missile costs about $100,000, the price of peace,” he said.

    He promised to prioritise pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and personnel welfare, while seeking legislative support for defence technology funding.

    Together, the new Service Chiefs outlined a unified vision, one built on synergy, innovation, and welfare, to secure Nigeria’s land, sea, and airspace.

    General Oluyede vowed to drive joint operations with Rear Admiral Abbas to safeguard maritime assets, and Air Vice Marshal Aneke to ensure air dominance.

    All three reaffirmed loyalty to President Tinubu’s defence reform agenda and promised to deliver tangible results 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 said.

    With their confirmation, the Service Chiefs now form the core of Tinubu’s new security architecture, tasked with restoring stability to the North-East, ending banditry in the North-West, and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

    The Service Chiefs were equally screened by the House of Representatives where they made essentially the same submissions as they did before the Senate.

    Following the presentations by the nominees, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, hailed the military chiefs for their service and assured them of a fair and transparent confirmation process.

  • UPDATED: Senate confirms new Service Chiefs as Armed Forces vow improved security

    UPDATED: Senate confirms new Service Chiefs as Armed Forces vow improved security

    The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees as the new Service Chiefs after an intensive closed-door screening that centred on Nigeria’s deepening 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.

    The Service Chiefs, while answering questions from Senators before the executive session, promised sweeping reforms to modernise the Armed Forces, boost troop morale, promote local arms production, use of technology, and deepen cooperation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

    General Oluyede said his leadership would drive a “technology-driven, self-reliant” defence system that reduces dependence on foreign arms.

    He said: “We cannot continue to rely on foreign suppliers for our weapons. It is economically unsustainable and strategically risky.

    “My focus will be to build a strong local military-industrial base that can produce what we need to defend the nation.”

    He pledged to make intelligence-led, data-driven warfare the backbone of joint operations, while prioritising welfare, healthcare, housing, and education for soldiers’ families.

    “Morale is the backbone of fighting power,” he said.

    Oluyede also called for a comprehensive reform of the police to enable it to take charge of internal security, so as to free the military to focus on external defence.

    “The military alone cannot secure Nigeria. Security is everyone’s business,” he added.

    Senators praised the nominees’ strategic focus, with Borno North Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno commending Oluyede’s experience in the insurgency war, while Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) urged him to treat troop welfare as non-negotiable.

    Rear Admiral Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, promised to overhaul maritime operations, expand drone surveillance, and intensify the fight against piracy and oil theft.

    He also said that there was no need for setting up the proposed Coast Guards, as the Navy is already performing their expected role.

    “The Navy’s constitutional roles already cover what a Coast Guard would do.

    “What we need is better funding and modern surveillance systems,” he said.

    He said the Navy had deployed drones to monitor remote creeks and set up a Special Operations Command in Makurdi to boost patrols on the Benue-Lokoja waterways.

    Abbas also said there is  need for victim-centred reintegration of repentant militants, saying: “Deradicalisation must include justice and healing.”

    Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, vowed to transform the Air Force into a “combat-ready, disciplined, and intelligent” service anchored 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,” he said.

    Aneke assured senators that Nigeria’s $1.2 billion Super Tucano aircraft fleet remains operational and vital to ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

    “They are flying every night in the North-East and North-West. Each missile costs about $100,000, the price of peace,” he said.

    He promised to prioritise pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and personnel welfare, while seeking legislative support for defence technology funding.

    Together, the new Service Chiefs outlined a unified vision, one built on synergy, innovation, and welfare, to secure Nigeria’s land, sea, and airspace.

    General Oluyede vowed to drive joint operations with Rear Admiral Abbas to safeguard maritime assets, and Air Vice Marshal Aneke to ensure air dominance.

    All three reaffirmed loyalty to President Tinubu’s defence reform agenda and promised to deliver tangible results 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 said.

    With their confirmation, the Service Chiefs now form the core of Tinubu’s new security architecture, tasked with restoring stability to the North-East, ending banditry in the North-West, and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity across all fronts.

  • Service chiefs meet with Defence Minister, NSA ahead today’s screening

    Service chiefs meet with Defence Minister, NSA ahead today’s screening

    The Service Chiefs-designate yesterday met with Defence Minister Abubakar  Badaru and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu ahead of their screening today by the Senate.

    Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede led Chief of Army Staff Maj.- Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Idi Abbas and Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke on the visits.

    There was no statement from the NSA’s after the visit, but spokesman of the Defence Minister  Mati Ali in statement said the visit underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to building cohesive defence leadership anchored on trust, collaboration and shared purpose.

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    On Monday, 72 hours after they were named, the Service Chiefs met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced yesterday in plenary after reading the correspondence for the President, that the Service Chiefs will be screened for confirmation today.

    President Tinubu’s letter urged the Senate to give “expeditious consideration” to his request for clearance of the new security chiefs.

    The Senate President referred the letter to the Committee of the Whole, which he chairs.

  • New Service Chiefs visit NSA, Defence Minister ahead Senate screening

    New Service Chiefs visit NSA, Defence Minister ahead Senate screening

    The new Service Chiefs have paid courtesy visits to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence in Abuja, as part of their familiarisation after appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, last week.

    The delegation led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, includes the Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke.

    The visits come as the Service Chiefs await confirmation by the Senate. 

    Read Also: Senate screens Service Chiefs Wednesday

    Tinubu, in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, urged the lawmakers to give “expeditious consideration” to the request, citing the need to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

    The Senate has referred the President’s request to the Committee of the Whole, with screening and confirmation scheduled for next week.

    A statement by Mati Ali, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, said the visit underscores the Minister’s commitment to building cohesive defence leadership anchored on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.

    “It also kickstarts a renewed drive toward a unified strategy and decisive action in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national interests under the guidance of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement said. 

  • Senate screens Service Chiefs Wednesday

    Senate screens Service Chiefs Wednesday

    Senate will tomorrow (Wednesday) screen Service Chiefs appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed this after reading President Tinubu’s letter forwarding the nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

    Read Also: Tinubu meets with Service chiefs

    The new Service Chiefs for screening and confirmation include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.

    The appointments, according to the Presidency, form part of a strategic realignment aimed at deepening professionalism, boosting morale, and enhancing inter-agency coordination in national security operations.