The House of Representatives has confirmed the appointment of the newly nominated service chiefs.
Their confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Screening of Service Chief nominees, headed by Babajimi Benson, during plenary on Thursday.
It came a day after the nominees appeared before the committee, where they outlined their strategic plans to tackle insecurity, improve troop welfare, and enhance inter-agency collaboration in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality across the country.
The confirmed appointees are: Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, a lieutenant general; Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, a major general; Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, an air vice marshal; and the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, a rear admiral.
During the screening session, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, said his years of strategic military experience had prepared him to coordinate Nigeria’s defence system at a critical time.
Noting that his exposure to national security issues over the years has prepared him for this assignment, Oluyede said he intends to bring positive change to the military and strengthen the armed forces for greater efficiency.
He pledged to prioritise the welfare of personnel and their families, noting that improving morale and living conditions would enhance operational effectiveness.
“I plan to work closely with the National Assembly committees and other key stakeholders to secure the resources our forces need to thrive,” he said.
Oluyede also underscored the importance of unity and cooperation, saying, “The security environment we find ourselves in requires joint efforts by all Nigerians, strong regional partnerships, and deep cooperation among the services.”
Speaking, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Waidi Shuaibu, promised to reinvigorate army operations through intensive training and improved logistics.
With over three decades of military service, Shuaibu said his leadership would focus on enhancing the Army’s special forces capabilities to improve strike efficiency.
He said, “Under my command, we were able to rescue 15 Chibok girls and neutralise several terrorist commanders. I am determined to inject new vigour into our training, ensuring our troops are better prepared for modern warfare,” he said.
He further assured lawmakers that he would sustain reforms to improve troop welfare and professionalism.
In his presentation, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abas, vowed to reposition the Navy for greater operational effectiveness.
Abas recounted his vast experience in command and operational duties, noting that his background had given him a “solid grasp of what it takes to move the Navy forward.”
“I intend to leverage my experience to reposition the Navy for better service delivery and maritime security,” he stated.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, emphasised leadership, innovation, and strategic planning as key to building a more capable and disciplined Air Force.
“My goal is to promote innovation and strengthen leadership at all levels to ensure the Air Force effectively supports national security objectives,” he said.
Declaring the session open, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence said the screening is a vital constitutional responsibility designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and public confidence in the military’s leadership.
He urged the nominees to demonstrate clear strategies to address terrorism, banditry, and emerging threats in cyber and maritime domains, stressing that Nigerians expect tangible results from the new military leadership.
“Our goal is to ensure that only the most capable and visionary leaders are confirmed to serve at this crucial time,” the chairman said. “We are partners in progress, united by a shared commitment to Nigeria’s peace, security, and prosperity.”
