President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Service Chiefs, replacing the previous heads of Nigeria’s Armed Forces in a major shake-up aimed at revitalising the nation’s defence and intelligence leadership.
The new appointments, announced on Friday, mark a significant reshuffle across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Defence Intelligence Agency, signalling a renewed focus on professionalism, inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-led operations.
Oluyede Named Chief of Defence Staff
Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede has been appointed the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Born on June 21, 1968, in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oluyede’s career spans nearly four decades in the Nigerian Army.
A graduate of Economics and an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Oluyede has also served as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Before his promotion, he held the position of Chief of Army Staff.
As CDS, he is expected to drive strategic coordination across the Armed Forces and enhance joint intelligence operations. His leadership philosophy emphasises building a combat-ready, motivated, and well-equipped military force.
Shaibu Becomes Chief of Army Staff
Major General Waidi Shaibu, a seasoned officer with over three decades of operational experience, has been named Chief of Army Staff. Born in Kogi State in 1971, Shaibu is a mechanical engineer by training and holds multiple master’s degrees in Public Administration, Strategic Studies, and Security Studies from universities in Nigeria and abroad.
A Harvard-trained strategist, Shaibu has served in several military operations, including Lafiya Dole, Tura Takaibango, and Hadin Kai, Nigeria’s key counter-insurgency campaign. He is widely respected for his commitment to troop welfare, logistics efficiency, and modernising armoured units.
Aneke Takes Over as Chief of Air Staff
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke has been appointed Chief of Air Staff. Born in 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, Aneke has over 4,300 flight hours and an extensive career in aviation command and policy roles.
He holds degrees in Physics, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Political Economy, alongside a professional certificate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the United States.
Aneke has served as Commander of the 307 Executive Airlift Group, Director of Policy and Safety, and Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy. His leadership is expected to prioritise safety, air fleet modernisation, and personnel training.
Abbas Appointed Chief of Naval Staff
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas assumes the role of Chief of Naval Staff, bringing more than 30 years of naval experience to the position. Born in Kano State in 1969, Abbas has led operations against oil theft, piracy, and illegal maritime activities as Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command in Bayelsa State.
He is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security, improve coastal surveillance, and boost the Navy’s operational presence in the Gulf of Guinea.
Undiandeye Becomes Chief of Defence Intelligence
Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye has been appointed Chief of Defence Intelligence. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (UK), Undiandeye holds advanced degrees in Strategic Security Studies and History, and is a Counter-Terrorism Fellow of the National Defence University, Washington D.C.
His career includes leadership roles at the Defence Intelligence Agency, UN Missions in Liberia, and the United Nations Headquarters in New York. He is expected to enhance inter-agency collaboration and advance intelligence-driven security operations nationwide.
These appointments reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s defence institutions, improving synergy among security agencies, and addressing the country’s complex security challenges with renewed energy and expertise.
| 🇳🇬 Newly Appointed Nigerian Service Chiefs | |
|---|---|
| Name | Position |
| Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede | Chief of Defence Staff |
| Major General Waidi Shaibu | Chief of Army Staff |
| Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke | Chief of Air Staff |
| Rear Admiral Idi Abbas | Chief of Naval Staff |
| Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye | Chief of Defence Intelligence |
Editing by M10News Politics Desk | Contact: politics@m10news.com
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