The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly nominated service chiefs, marking a significant shake-up in the nation’s military hierarchy and a renewed bid to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The confirmation followed an executive communication from President Tinubu to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting swift legislative approval in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.
The Senate moved quickly, screening and endorsing all nominees during a plenary session on Wednesday.
Confirmed Service Chiefs
Those confirmed by the Senate include:
* General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
* Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
* Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
* Vice Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
* Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
The new chiefs take over from their predecessors following a directive by the President last week announcing immediate changes in the military’s top command.
Senate’s Position
In his remarks after the confirmation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the exercise was conducted in the national interest, describing the nominees as “seasoned officers with proven integrity and experience.”
“Nigeria is facing critical security challenges, and the Senate has a duty to ensure that only the most capable hands are in charge of our armed forces,” Akpabio stated.
“We expect these officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by restoring stability across the country.”
Lawmakers from both the majority and minority caucuses commended the President’s decision, urging the new service chiefs to prioritise professionalism, intelligence sharing, and coordination among the security agencies.
A Timely Transition
The confirmation comes amid persistent insecurity across several regions, including insurgent attacks in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and separatist unrest in the Southeast.
Analysts say the speed of the Senate’s approval reflects a coordinated effort between the Executive and Legislature to ensure an immediate transition and avoid operational disruptions.
Security experts have described the appointments as a “strategic reset,” noting that the fresh command team will be under intense pressure to produce measurable results within a short time.
What’s Ahead
Following the Senate’s confirmation, the new service chiefs are expected to assume office immediately and meet with the President for formal decoration and briefing on strategic directives.
Defence sources hinted that one of their first tasks will be reviewing ongoing operations and realigning command structures for greater efficiency.
Background
President Tinubu announced the changes last Friday, replacing all four service chiefs and the Chief of Defence Intelligence as part of what the Presidency called a “comprehensive reorganisation” of the armed forces.
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The move has drawn cautious optimism, with many Nigerians hoping that new leadership will translate into improved security outcomes nationwide.
With the confirmations now complete, the focus shifts from appointments to performance — and whether the new commanders can deliver tangible progress in restoring peace and stability across the country.
