Nigeria’s newly appointed Service Chiefs arrived at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja around 10 a.m. on Wednesday for their official screening before the Senate, marking a crucial step in President Bola Tinubu’s latest restructuring of the nation’s military leadership.
According to Channels Television, the Service Chiefs were accompanied by senior military officers as they made their way to the Senate chamber. The session had been rescheduled from next week to Wednesday, October 29, to fast-track their confirmation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the adjustment after reading President Bola Tinubu’s letter seeking the confirmation of General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
“This rescheduling is necessary to allow the new Service Chiefs assume duty without delay,” Akpabio stated.
Tinubu’s letter also urged lawmakers to give expeditious consideration to the nominations to ensure continuity and effective coordination of national security operations.
Tinubu’s New Appointments
On October 24, President Tinubu carried out a major shake-up within the Armed Forces, replacing the former CDS, General Christopher Musa, with General Oluyede.
Other appointees include:
- Major-General W. Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
- Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
- Rear Admiral I. Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
Meanwhile, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence, according to a statement released by Sunday Dare, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication.
All appointments took immediate effect.
Background and Expectations
General Oluyede, who previously served as Chief of Army Staff, succeeds General Musa as CDS. His appointment comes at a time when Nigeria continues to battle Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed banditry in the North-East and North-West regions.
The outgoing chiefs—Musa, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Air Marshal Bala Abubakar—were appointed in June 2023 and oversaw key counterterrorism operations. Despite recorded progress, persistent attacks across the country have fueled public demand for a strategic overhaul.
Political observers say the Senate’s swift confirmation of the new Service Chiefs could determine how fast the Tinubu administration resets its national security framework.
