Newly Appointed Service Chiefs Vow to Transform Security Sector and Restore Peace
Newly Appointed Service Chiefs Vow to Transform Security Sector and Restore Peace
Nigeria’s newly appointed Service Chiefs on Wednesday committed to transforming the country’s security framework through strategic foreign partnerships, local arms production, inter-agency collaboration, and enhanced personnel welfare.
Their pledges were made during their simultaneous screening by the Senate and House of Representatives at the National Assembly. The sessions featured rigorous questioning, closed-door deliberations, and firm assurances by the officers to modernize Nigeria’s armed forces and bolster internal security.
Before members of the Senate and House Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force, Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the armed forces, citing his extensive experience with national security issues. “My background has prepared me for this complex role,” he stated. “I will focus on positive reforms, optimizing our operational strategies, and fostering strong bilateral and multilateral partnerships. Unity and fairness across services are vital.”
Oluyede emphasized the need for Nigeria to develop a local military-industrial complex to reduce dependence on costly foreign arms imports. “We cannot continue purchasing equipment abroad; it’s too expensive. Nigeria must build its capacity to produce essential tools for warfare and security,” he asserted. He also pledged to prioritize personnel welfare and collaborate with lawmakers to secure adequate funding, while advocating for intelligence-led operations and police restructuring to better handle internal threats. He warned about emerging challenges like cyber warfare and misinformation, emphasizing a focus on local solutions and international cooperation to eliminate insurgency and restore peace nationwide.
The Army Chief, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, pledged to energize military operations, improve intelligence gathering, and bolster manpower. “Under my leadership, we successfully rescued the Chibok girls and neutralized terrorist commanders,” he recounted. “I am committed to enhancing training and preparing our troops for future challenges.” Senator Isah Jubrin praised Shuaibu’s competence, describing him as “humble and serious-minded” and expressing confidence in his ability to steer Nigeria out of current security challenges.
Rear Admiral Idi Abas, Naval Chief, promised to deploy modern technology such as drones to improve maritime surveillance and combat piracy, oil theft, and kidnapping. “Drones will make our patrols more effective, especially in difficult terrains,” he said. He also supported deradicalization efforts for repentant insurgents but urged sensitivity toward victims’ families.
Air Force Chief Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke outlined his focus on innovation and discipline, vowing to fight terrorism and insurgency with professionalism and aggression. “Our personnel risk their lives nightly, and our aircraft—like the Super Tucano fighters—are fully operational and deployed in critical regions,” he assured. “All decisions will aim to safeguard Nigeria and maintain peace.”
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, underscored the constitutional importance of the screening process to ensure only qualified officers are entrusted with national security responsibilities. “This exercise is vital for oversight and accountability,” he stated. He later told reporters that the nominees answered questions satisfactorily during closed sessions and expressed optimism that their confirmation would renew public trust in Nigeria’s security institutions.
In the House, Defence Committee Chairman Babajimi Benson emphasized that the screening was a crucial process for transparency and accountability, urging the officers to present practical ideas for peace and stability.
Following their confirmation, President Tinubu is scheduled to decorate the new Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja today at 1:00 p.m. The President recently met with the officers in a closed-door session, urging decisive action against insurgents and bandits. Last week, Tinubu announced a major military reshuffle aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. The move followed baseless reports of a coup plot, which the Defence Headquarters dismissed as misinformation.
With the new military leadership now in place, all eyes are on them to deliver on their mission to restore peace and stability to a nation battered by years of insurgency, banditry, and insecurity.
