Abuja, FCT—The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, convened his first pivotal meeting with the nation’s newly appointed Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday. The engagement occurred mere hours subsequent to a significant restructuring of the military high command, a move signalling a determined effort to recalibrate the nation’s security architecture.
In the sweeping changes announced, General Olufemi Oluyede was retained within the command structure, receiving an immediate elevation and redeployment from his previous role as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to the esteemed position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
The shake-up introduced a fresh cohort of leaders tasked with steering the armed forces:
- Major-General W. Shaibu was named the new Chief of Army Staff.
- Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke assumed the office of the Chief of Air Staff.
- Rear Admiral I. Abbas was appointed the Chief of Naval Staff.
Addressing the assembled commanders, the President delivered a formidable charge, urging them to justify the profound confidence reposed in them by the nation. His directive centred on an immediate demonstration of professionalism, vigilance, and, crucially, unity in the execution of their onerous duties.
President Tinubu laid particular emphasis on the need for systemic improvement, instructing the new Service Chiefs to build methodically upon the extant operational structures of the armed forces. A core tenet of the presidential mandate was the strengthening of synergy across the various services; Army, Navy, and Air Force, as an essential tool for effectively countering the nation’s evolving and multifaceted security challenges.
The Head of State underscored that the bedrock of their command must be unwavering loyalty to the constitution. Furthermore, he demanded a renewed and resolute commitment to the protection of lives and property across the entirety of the Federal Republic, thereby confirming the singular focus of the new military leadership on ensuring national peace and stability.
