By Ogunbayi Beedee Adeyemi October 28, 2025
adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to screen and confirm his newly appointed service chiefs, signaling a bold reshuffle of Nigeria’s military leadership aimed at bolstering the nation’s security framework amid escalating threats from insurgency, banditry, and economic sabotage.
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The request was contained in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read on the floor of the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary session. In the correspondence, Tinubu urged the upper chamber to “expedite action” on the confirmations to ensure seamless continuity in national defense operations.
The nominees include Chief of Defence Staff: General Olufemi Oluyede (replacing General Christopher Musa), Chief of Army Staff: Major-General Waheedi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff: Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Air Staff: Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke and Chief of Defence Intelligence: Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye.
Akpabio referred the nominations to the Senate Committee of the Whole for screening and confirmation, with indications that the process could begin as early as next week. Sources suggest the full Senate may approve the appointments swiftly, potentially allowing for swearing-in and rank decorations by the end of the week.
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The appointments, announced last Friday, represent Tinubu’s most significant intervention in the military hierarchy since assuming office in May 2023. Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale described the changes as part of the administration’s “relentless drive to fortify Nigeria’s security architecture,” emphasizing enhanced professionalism, vigilance, and inter-service collaboration to combat multifaceted threats.
General Oluyede, a seasoned infantry officer and former Chief of Army Staff, steps into the pivotal Chief of Defence Staff role previously held by General Musa, whose tenure was marked by aggressive operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP but criticized for persistent gaps in intelligence and logistics. The other appointees bring specialized expertise: Shaibu’s ground forces experience in counter-insurgency, Abbas’s maritime security focus amid Gulf of Guinea piracy, and Aneke’s aviation prowess for aerial surveillance.
Notably, Undiendeye’s retention underscores continuity in intelligence gathering, a core pillar of Tinubu’s security doctrine. The president met with the nominees in a closed-door session at the Presidential Villa on Monday, where they received briefings as Commander-in-Chief.
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The move has elicited mixed responses. APC leaders hailed it as a “masterstroke” for injecting fresh vigor into the armed forces, with Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele pledging “unwavering support” during plenary debates. “These patriots will redouble efforts to secure our borders and restore peace to troubled regions,” Bamidele said.
Opposition voices, however, raised eyebrows. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) demanded transparency, questioning if the reshuffle stems from an “alleged coup plot” or internal military discord rumors fueled by recent media speculation. PDP Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro called for rigorous screening to ensure meritocracy over loyalty, adding, “Security appointments must transcend politics; Nigerians deserve results, not reshuffles.”
Civil society groups like the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) welcomed the overhaul but urged the Senate to probe the performance metrics of outgoing chiefs. “With over 100,000 lives lost to insecurity since 2009, this is a chance for accountability,” said CDD’s Director, Idayat Hassan.
Analysts view the changes as intertwined with Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the push for local content in defense procurement—echoing Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s recent call for military uniforms to be sourced domestically. A confirmed leadership could accelerate initiatives like the National Defence Industries Corporation’s push for indigenous arms manufacturing, potentially creating thousands of jobs in Kaduna and Bauchi.
As Nigeria grapples with 33% youth unemployment and resurgent banditry in the Northwest, the new chiefs face immense pressure. Their mandate: dismantle terror networks, secure farmlands for food security, and protect critical infrastructure like oil pipelines.
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The Senate’s confirmation hearing is slated for Thursday, barring unforeseen delays. Once approved, the service chiefs will be sworn in at Aso Rock, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s fight for stability.
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