The newly appointed service chiefs appeared before the Senate on Wednesday for screening following President Bola Tinubu’s request for their confirmation.
The officers arrived at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja around 10 a.m., accompanied by senior military personnel, after the Senate advanced the screening date from next week to October 29.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the change after reading Tinubu’s letter seeking the confirmation of General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Akpabio explained that the early screening was intended to allow the new military chiefs to assume their responsibilities promptly and ensure smooth coordination within the nation’s security structure.
President Tinubu had urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process, citing the need for continuity and effective management of national defence operations.
On October 24, the President announced a major shake-up in the military hierarchy, appointing Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence. All appointments took immediate effect, according to a statement by Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication.
General Oluyede, who became Chief of Army Staff last year following the death of General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, now succeeds General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff.
The outgoing service chiefs—Musa, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Air Marshal Bala Abubakar—had led major counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations since June 2023.
Despite some operational successes, continued insecurity across several regions has prompted renewed calls for a change in strategy and leadership within Nigeria’s armed forces.
