By ABNews, Abuja | October 30, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to bring an end to Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis, insisting that the unrest which began in 2009 must not be allowed to persist any longer.
Speaking at their decoration ceremony on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, the President said the appointments mark a renewed phase in Nigeria’s effort to restore lasting peace and security across the nation.
“This ceremony marks a new beginning in our collective resolve to secure every inch of Nigerian territory,” Tinubu said. “We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. Nigerians expect results, not excuses.”
The new Service Chiefs are Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Major General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff. Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiendeye was retained as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Congratulating them on their appointments and Senate confirmation, Tinubu reminded the officers of the enormous trust the nation has placed in them. He urged them to be innovative, courageous, and proactive in confronting emerging security threats.
“Security threats are constantly mutating,” he said. “We must not allow these new armed groups to fester. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”
The President praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their patriotism and sacrifices in defending the country’s territorial integrity, recalling the dark years when terrorists held parts of the country under siege.
“Our gallant forces reclaimed occupied territories, rescued kidnapped citizens, and weakened the capacity of terror groups,” he said. “Our foremost duty as a government is to protect citizens, because without security, development becomes meaningless.”
Tinubu assured the military of his administration’s full support in providing resources, logistics, and intelligence tools necessary to achieve their mission.
“I am counting on you to restore lasting peace to every corner of our nation,” he stated. “Let us ensure that Nigerians can once again live without fear.”
The newly decorated Service Chiefs expressed appreciation for the President’s confidence and pledged renewed commitment to tackling insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes undermining national stability.
Profiles of the New Service Chiefs
Lt. Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
A seasoned infantry officer, Lt. Gen. Oluyede has held several command and operational positions within the Nigerian Army. Before his appointment, he served as Commander of the Infantry Corps and later as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, leading counterterrorism operations in the North-East. Known for his discipline and results-driven leadership, Oluyede is respected for his emphasis on intelligence-led combat and inter-agency coordination.
Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
Maj. Gen. Shaibu brings extensive field experience, having served in peacekeeping missions and counterinsurgency operations. He was previously the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 7 Division, Maiduguri, and has a reputation for operational innovation and troops’ welfare. Shaibu is seen as one of the Army’s most pragmatic officers.
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
An accomplished pilot and instructor, Air Marshal Aneke has flown multiple aircraft types and held strategic roles in the Nigerian Air Force. Before his appointment, he was the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi. Aneke is known for pushing the integration of drone technology and precision air support in counterterrorism operations.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
Rear Admiral Abbas is a naval strategist with vast experience in maritime security and logistics. A former Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, he has led operations against piracy and oil theft in Nigeria’s territorial waters. His leadership focuses on improving maritime domain awareness and regional cooperation.
Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
A career intelligence officer, Undiendeye retains his position as CDI, where he has overseen intelligence reforms and coordination with both domestic and foreign security agencies. His leadership has been credited with strengthening information-sharing frameworks among the armed forces and other security institutions.
