Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs have pledged to use technology to fight terrorists and bandits, even as they vowed to strengthen national security.
The service chiefs explained that fight against insecurity will be done through innovation, technology, and inter-agency collaboration.
They assured Nigerians of a renewed commitment to safeguarding lives and defending the country’s territorial integrity.
They made these pledges during Wednesday’s Senate confirmation session at the National Assembly.
Those confirmed include Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Major General W. Shuaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral I. Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke, Chief of Air Staff.
Their confirmation followed a motion moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) urging his colleagues to consider the President’s request that the nominees be appointed Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, respectively, in accordance with Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act.
The Senate dissolved into a Committee of the Whole for the screening and confirmation of the appointments.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, asked the Chief of Defence Staff designate, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, to make a brief remark before he took a bow since he was screened as Chief of Army Staff.
The red chamber then went into a closed session, during which the nominees were asked detailed questions about their plans to address the country’s security challenges.
Develop Local Defence Industry, Restructure Police — CDS Oluyede
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who was also the immediate Chief of Army Staff, called for the establishment of a local military-industrial complex and the restructuring of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen the country’s internal security framework.
He said Nigeria could no longer afford to rely heavily on foreign countries for military hardware, describing the practice as “unsustainable and expensive.”
“For Nigeria to move forward, we must develop our own local military-industrial complex,” Oluyede said. “We can’t keep buying equipment from outside because these things are costly. The country must build its capacity to produce the equipment required to prosecute wars and address security challenges.”
The CDS-designate said insecurity in Nigeria had become increasingly complex, encompassing terrorism, banditry, cyberattacks, and misinformation — challenges that require a whole-of-society approach.
“Everybody must be involved; it shouldn’t be left to the military alone,” he stated.
Oluyede also emphasised the need to strengthen the police, noting that most internal security responsibilities currently handled by the military should fall under the police’s mandate.
“It’s important to empower the police and make it stronger so they can do their job, while we concentrate on defending Nigeria against external aggression,” he said.
He described military service as “a unique form of sacrifice,” adding that resource constraints have limited efforts to improve soldiers’ welfare.
“Being a soldier means sacrificing your life for others to live. It requires courage, dedication, and sleepless nights,” he added.
Born in 1968, Oluyede served as Nigeria’s 24th Chief of Army Staff before being elevated to Chief of Defence Staff.
Army Will Crush Lakurawa Bandits — COAS Shaibu
Also during the screening and confirmation, the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Waidi Shaibu, vowed to deal decisively with the terrorist group known as Lakurawa, which has been terrorising parts of northern Nigeria.
Shaibu, who recounted his over three-decades-long military career, said he had previously commanded counterinsurgency operations in Borno State that led to significant victories against Boko Haram insurgents.
“We defeated Boko Haram in 2015, and many terrorists surrendered during my tenure,” he said. “We leveraged technology to improve operations, and for the past five years, I have been deeply involved in missions that decimated terrorist elements.”
He assured lawmakers that the Nigerian Army would continue prioritising troop welfare, career development, and resource optimisation while adopting a whole-of-society approach to national security.
“The Army will deal decisively with the new bandit group known as Lakurawa. Security is not cheap, but we will manage available resources effectively,” Shaibu said.
Navy to Deploy Drones Against Oil Theft, Piracy — Abbas
For his part, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Nigerian Navy will deploy modern technology — including drone surveillance — to enhance maritime security and curb criminal activities across the nation’s waterways.
During his confirmation hearing, Abbas said the Navy already had operational structures but needed to integrate technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
“Some patrols don’t yield expected results due to difficult terrain, and resources are wasted on fuel. Drones will help us monitor these areas more effectively,” he said.
Abbas revealed that a Special Operations Command had been established in Makurdi, Benue State, to improve security along the inland waterways between Benue and Lokoja.
He dismissed the need for a separate Coast Guard, saying it would duplicate existing Navy functions.
“The Navy already performs coast guard duties. Instead of creating a new agency, those funds should be used to strengthen our platforms and logistics,” he explained.
On oil theft, Abbas said the Navy had made significant progress in blocking large offshore tankers previously used to ferry stolen crude oil.
“With drone technology, we can now monitor and intercept illegal activities more effectively,” he added.
Abbas also supported the deradicalisation of repentant criminals but called for sensitivity toward victims’ families.
“It’s a good initiative, but we must consider the moral burden. Families who lost loved ones should be consulted before amnesty is granted,” he said.
We’ll Fight Smart, Not Just Strong — Air Chief Aneke
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, pledged to build a combat-ready, intelligence-driven, and technologically advanced Air Force capable of adapting to modern warfare.
“The world is changing fast. Those who will survive are not the strongest but can adapt,” Aneke told the lawmakers.
He said his approach as Air Chief would prioritise technology, intelligence, and rapid response, emphasising the importance of using drones and next-generation aircraft to minimise risk and maximise precision.
“Some of the things our Tucano aircraft can do, drones can also do — with less danger to personnel,” he noted.
Aneke urged the National Assembly to sustain its support for the armed forces, explaining that aviation is “an expensive business.”
“₦1.2 billion in aviation is like a spoonful from the ocean,” he said. “We will ensure every naira and dollar is used judiciously.”
He assured lawmakers that Super Tucano aircraft and other air assets were actively engaged in operations across the North-East and North-West.
“Our men and women are sacrificing their lives while others sleep. The aircraft are flying every night,” he said.
Aneke reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to accountability and national security.
“We are here to serve and to give you value for every kobo you spend,” he said. “Our mission is clear — to protect Nigerians, safeguard their liberties, and uphold peace through the power of the skies.”
At the end of the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a voice vote, after which the Senate unanimously confirmed all four service chiefs — Oluyede, Shaibu, Abbas, and Aneke.
Akpabio said senators from all parts of the country engaged the nominees during the interactive session, offering suggestions and posing questions on national security.
“They have answered all questions during the interactions,” Akpabio said.
“Let me also thank the President for selecting the nominees, who have been approved and confirmed by this chamber. Overall, we believe this will renew Nigerians’ hope of restoring security to our nation.”
