The Senate on Wednesday confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs after a two-hour closed-door screening at the National Assembly in Abuja.
During the session, lawmakers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory engaged the nominees on key national security issues, including strategies to combat insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
Presiding over the plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the nominees for their performance during the screening and praised President Tinubu for making what he described as “strategic and thoughtful choices.”
“They have answered all our questions satisfactorily,” Akpabio said. “We believe their appointment will rekindle the confidence of Nigerians in the country’s security system.”
Leading the new appointees is General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff-designate. Others confirmed include:
Major General Waheedi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
Their confirmation followed President Tinubu’s formal request for speedy approval to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The approval comes days after the President met privately with the newly appointed service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, urging them to uphold professionalism, discipline, and unity in the Armed Forces.
He also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other retiring officers for their dedication and service to the nation.
With the Senate’s confirmation, the new service chiefs are expected to immediately assume office and intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, insurgency, and other forms of violent crime across Nigeria.
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