The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu and the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas on Thursday formally assumed command of the various services.
General Oluyede pledged to enhance intelligence driven operations guided by the principles of professionalism, jointness, discipline, innovation, and accountability to combat emerging threats.
He said the leadership of the Nigerian military would be guided by the principles of professionalism, jointness, discipline, innovation, and accountability, while strengthening synergy among the services and defence agencies.
General Oluyede stated this after taking over the mantle of leadership from his predecessor, General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday.
Oluyede noted that the complex and evolving nature of threats confronting our nation, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, as well as emerging cyber, aerial, and maritime security threats, demands that they remain vigilant, innovative, and united, hence under his leadership he would guided by the principles of professionalism, jointness, discipline, innovation, and accountability.
He also pledged to enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that their objective of restoring and sustaining peace, stability, and national cohesion in every part of the country remained incontestable.
“Equally important is the welfare of our officers and men, which remains central to operational effectiveness,” the CDS said.
“Under my leadership, the Defence Secretaries will continue to advocate for improved welfare, housing, medical support, and training opportunities for personnel and their families.
We shall also invest in the moral and psychological well-being of our troops, ensuring that the sacrifices are recognised and rewarded.
“We will prioritise capacity-building, research, and technological innovation to enhance operational efficiency and strategic foresight. In doing so, we shall leverage the resources and intellect available across our defence institutions, as well as partnerships with local and international stakeholders.”
While praising the gallant soldiers of the Nigerian military, describing them as the pride and backbone of our armed forces, the CDS urged them to continue to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty, and professionalism.
“Remember that every action you take reflects not just on your service, but on the armed forces and the entire nation.
“To the retired senior officers and veterans present, your enduring support and wisdom remain invaluable to the continued progress of our military,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the outgone Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said his tenure was challenging but also “incredibly” rewarding, facing a complex and dynamic security landscape, that were confronted with unwavering resolve, guided by constitutional mandate and a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
According to him, he pursued a philosophy of jointness, people-centricity, inter-agency cooperation and kinetic synergy, which was not merely a slogan, but an operational principle that guided their actions.
“Under my watch, we worked tirelessly to deepen the integration of our Army, Navy and Air Force. The establishment of Joint Task Force across our theatres of operations stands as a testament to our commitment for a unified approach.
“We also ensure that we work closely together in collaboration with all the sister security agencies and other MDAs. We have enhanced our operational effectiveness, improved intelligence sharing and fostered a culture where service affiliations are secondary to our common goal, that of the defence of our nation’s territorial integrity and the protection of our citizens.
“We have recorded significant gains in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminality, but the work is not yet finished.”
The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, vowed to confront terrorism and other security threats head-on.
Shaibu made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja shortly after assuming command as the 25th Chief of Army Staff from his predecessor, General Olufemi Oluyede, who has been appointed the new Chief of Defence Staff.
He also pledged to make the Nigerian Army more agile, professional, and combat-ready to restore lasting peace across the country.
The new Army Chief said the nation was passing through challenging times, but assured that the Army under his command would respond decisively and effectively to all emerging threats.
“We are aware of the developing situations in parts of our dear country that have caused hardship, fear, and displacement among law-abiding citizens.
“These situations are unacceptable and will receive my urgent attention.
“I will carefully review ongoing operations and adopt strategies to mitigate and ultimately defeat the threats. I assure Mr. President and Nigerians that we shall not disappoint the nation,” he said.
Shaibu pledged to build on the gains recorded under Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, noting that his tenure witnessed remarkable improvements in equipment procurement, infrastructure, and troops’ welfare.
He also promised to deepen the “soldier-first” philosophy introduced by his predecessor while entrenching professionalism, discipline, and synergy with other security agencies.
Earlier, the outgoing COAS, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve,adding that the Army under his leadership made significant strides in operations and administration.
Oluyede commended officers and soldiers for their loyalty, discipline, and courage, urging them to extend the same support to the new Chief of Army Staff.
“As I move to my next appointment, I urge you to give even greater loyalty and commitment to Maj.-Gen. Shaibu, who is a thoroughbred officer with exceptional experience,” he said.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the Nigerian Army’s capacity to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity, stressing that the goal of a secure and united Nigeria remained a collective responsibility.
In his remarks, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, lauded Oluyede’s leadership for prioritising troops’ welfare and professionalism, noting that his tenure would remain a reference point for empathy and effective command.
The newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sunday Aneke pledged to leave no stone unturned to bring about swift improvement in the nation’s security.
Aneke, who is the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, took over from his predecessor Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar during a ceremony held at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Abuja.
In his inaugural address, the new CAS described his appointment as a call to national duty and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and a commitment to prioritise the welfare of officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said, “My appointment as the Twenty Third Chief of the Air Staff is both an honour and a humbling experience. I wish to specially thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the honour and rare privilege extended to me to serve Nigeria,” he said.
He pledged his loyalty and that of the entire Air Force personnel to the President, the Federal Government and Nigerians.
“I also pledge my loyalty and that of the Nigerian Air Force officers, airmen and airwomen to the government and people of Nigeria as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution,” Aneke stated
The new Air Chief vowed to sustain and build on the achievements of his predecessor, particularly in ongoing operations against insurgency and other internal security threats.
He assured that the NAF would continue to work with other military and security agencies to strengthen national security.
“Together, we will leave no stone unturned in discharging our constitutional roles in conjunction with other sister Services, security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to bring about swift improvement in the security situation of Nigeria,” he added.
Aneke also promised that personnel welfare would be a central priority under his leadership, noting that a motivated force is essential to achieving operational efficiency.
“I promise to ensure that the welfare needs of all officers, airmen, airwomen and their family members are promptly addressed to motivate them for improved productivity,” he said.
While acknowledging the support given to his predecessor, Aneke appealed to the National Assembly to continue its collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, describing legislative backing as vital to the success of ongoing security operations.
He thanked personnel of the Air Force for their congratulatory messages following his appointment and expressed appreciation to his family, especially his wife, for their support throughout his military career.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, heads of formations, directors, and representatives of security agencies.
Aneke concluded his remarks by restating his commitment to defend the nation:
“The Nigerian Air Force is willing, able and ready to meet the demands of our national defence and security imperatives.”
Speaking the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar described his tenure as an honour and privilege, noting that the Air Force made significant gains in counter-terrorism and internal security operations during his stewardship.
He charged his successor to prioritise national security, sustain a combat-ready force and take care of personnel welfare.
“No matter how advanced our platforms are, it is the human being behind the machine who delivers airpower,” he said.
Recall that President Tinubu last week appointed Aneke as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, replacing his predecessor Abubakar.
His assumption of office comes at a pivotal time when public expectations are high to see an end to the security challenges facing the country.
Relatedly, the newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, pledged to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes undermining Nigeria’s economy.
Abbas who is the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff acknowledged that despite previous achievements, the nation’s maritime domain remains threatened by crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other criminal activities that endanger national security and economic growth.
To tackle these challenges, he unveiled strategic priorities for his tenure, which include strengthening maritime security operations, enhancing fleet capability through aggressive fleet renewal and increased deployment of technology, prioritising personnel training and welfare, and deepening collaboration with other security agencies.
“I am not unaware that our maritime environment remains threatened by a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking,” he said.
“These crimes not only undermine our national economy and energy security, but also threaten the livelihoods of our coastal communities and the economic stability of our dear nation.
“To confront these challenges decisively, my tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach — strengthening maritime security, enhancing our fleet through aggressive renewal and technology, prioritising training and personnel welfare, and fostering inter-agency, regional and international collaboration.”
Describing his appointment as a privilege, Abbas vowed to discharge his duties with dedication, integrity and loyalty.
“It is with humility and gratitude to God that I stand before you today as the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff. I am eternally grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for finding me worthy to lead the Nigerian Navy,” he stated.
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla whose “visionary leadership,” he said, laid a solid foundation for the Navy’s continued progress.
Abbas urged naval personnel to uphold the core values of integrity, professionalism and teamwork, assuring that their welfare will remain a priority.
“I promise to lead from the front and ensure that your welfare remains a top priority,” he said, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s waters and supporting the growth of the blue economy.
