Senate Confirms Olufemi Oluyede as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Approves Three Other Service Chiefs

The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, following a detailed and exhaustive four-hour screening session at the National Assembly in Abuja.

The confirmation, Akahi News gathered, also includes three other senior officers who will now head the major arms of Nigeria’s Armed Forces — the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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Full List of Newly Confirmed Service Chiefs

According to information obtained by Akahi News, Major-General Waidi Shaibu has been confirmed as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

The nominations were thoroughly examined by lawmakers, focusing on their military experience, integrity, and strategic vision for Nigeria’s national security. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, commended the nominees for their distinguished careers and assured that the upper chamber would continue to support the Armed Forces in its quest to safeguard the nation.

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A New Era for Nigeria’s Security Leadership

This confirmation marks a significant transition in the country’s defence leadership. Analysts who spoke with Akahi News noted that the appointments reflect President Bola Tinubu’s renewed commitment to strengthening national security through competent leadership and improved inter-agency coordination.

Observers believe that Lieutenant-General Oluyede and his team face an enormous challenge — restoring peace in troubled regions affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft. Their success, many say, will depend on their ability to rebuild troop morale, deploy effective strategies, and strengthen collaboration among the various military formations.

A security expert, speaking to journalists, described the Senate’s confirmation as “a timely move that could inspire confidence both within and outside the military.”

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Tinubu to Decorate New Service Chiefs

Akahi News learnt that following their confirmation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, will officially decorate the newly approved Service Chiefs with their ranks in a ceremony expected to take place at the Presidential Villa.

The event will symbolically mark the beginning of their official duties, as they prepare to implement fresh defence strategies and align military operations with the government’s national security agenda.

According to sources, the Presidency is also finalising a comprehensive security reform plan that will address intelligence-sharing gaps, modernise equipment procurement, and enhance welfare for personnel.

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What Nigerians Expect

Across the country, expectations are high. Citizens and lawmakers alike anticipate visible progress in tackling insurgency and improving peace and stability. Public opinion shared on various platforms monitored by Akahi News shows cautious optimism that the new Service Chiefs will bring renewed discipline and accountability to the nation’s defence system.

Analysts say their combined operational experience — spanning decades of field and strategic command — could prove critical in reshaping Nigeria’s approach to modern warfare and internal security management.

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Conclusion

The confirmation of Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede and his fellow Service Chiefs signals a turning point in Nigeria’s military leadership. As the new team prepares to take command, the nation watches closely, hopeful that this transition will translate into greater stability, improved security outcomes, and a stronger, more united Armed Forces.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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