President Bola Tinubu has formally decorated the newly appointed Service Chiefs with their ranks at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
The decorated officers and their new ranks are:
– General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff)
– Lieutenant General Wahidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff)
– Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff)
– Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (Chief of Air Staff)
– Lieutenant General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiendeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence).
The ceremony followed their confirmation by the Senate on Wednesday. President Tinubu charged the new military leadership to enhance professionalism and vigilance, stating that the refreshed team provides an opportunity to refine operational strategies and rebuild public confidence. He emphasized expectations for measurable improvements in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations nationwide.
The President added that the appointment is not only a shift in rank, but a renewed push for national security, aimed at restoring peace and protecting citizens’ safety.
During his Senate screening, the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, pledged to champion a “multi-domain, multi-agency” campaign. He outlined priorities including enhanced night-fighting capabilities, expanded special forces training, and improved troop welfare.
The Service Chiefs collectively promised to strengthen operational synergy and discipline. They also emphasized deeper collaboration with the Police, noting that more effective internal policing would allow the military to focus on external defence and high-intensity counterterrorism missions.
Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, called on Oluyede and other service chiefs to prioritise the welfare of military personnel by pressing for improved remuneration and funding.
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