In his message to the newly appointed Service Chiefs, President Bola Tinubu emphasised professionalism, discipline, and the need for results-driven operations.
By Sumaila Ogbaje
In his message to the newly appointed Service Chiefs, President Bola Tinubu emphasised professionalism, discipline, and the need for results-driven operations.
“The security and safety of every Nigerian is paramount; you have a duty to deliver measurable outcomes,” he said.
For many Nigerians, this call underscores the urgency of national security renewal; a call that now rests squarely on the shoulders of the new military chiefs.
The president’s decision to inject fresh energy into the military leadership has been widely commended as a step in the right direction — not only for its symbolism but also for its strategic implications.
The appointments, analysts say, reflect Tinubu’s understanding that modern warfare requires new thinking, adaptive leadership, and a deep commitment to inter-agency coordination.
At the apex of Nigeria’s military hierarchy is the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), whose principal task is to ensure synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The role of the CDS goes beyond coordination; it embodies strategic alignment, unified planning, and the creation of a seamless command structure capable of responding swiftly to emerging threats.
Observers say the new CDS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, is expected to deepen joint operations and intelligence fusion, ensuring that rivalries or silos between the services are replaced with cooperation and shared objectives.
In the fight against terrorism and insurgency, real-time intelligence, tactical mobility, and the effective use of technology will determine the tempo and outcome of operations.
Security analysts also stress the need for the Defence Headquarters to enhance inter-agency cooperation — especially among the Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
With improved communication, shared databases, and coordinated field missions, Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and banditry could achieve greater results with fewer resources.
The Nigerian Army, now to be led by Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, remains the largest and most visible component of the Armed Forces, with troops deployed in nearly every state of the federation for various internal security operations.
The new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) faces the enormous challenge of sustaining the momentum against terrorists, bandits, and violent extremists, while also addressing structural issues such as troop welfare, logistics, and civil-military relations.
In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai continues to yield positive outcomes, with sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants.
Yet, analysts say, the battle is far from over; pockets of resistance, asymmetric ambushes, and sleeper cells still threaten hard-won gains.
For Shaibu, the agenda is clear: consolidate the successes of Operation Hadin Kai, enhance the mobility and responsiveness of troops under Operations Whirl Stroke, Safe Haven, and Delta Safe, and maintain focus on intelligence-led operations.
Equally vital, according to security experts, is the issue of personnel welfare.
Soldiers in the field continue to make immense sacrifices, often in difficult terrain and under challenging conditions; ensuring that they are properly equipped, trained, and motivated remains a core part of military effectiveness.
The army’s continued engagement in civil-military projects, such as building schools, providing medical outreach, and supporting local communities, helps reinforce the bond between citizens and the Armed Forces.
The new army leadership is therefore expected to deepen these community-focused initiatives, recognising that the fight against insecurity is as much about hearts and minds as it is about firepower.
Coming to the Nigerian Navy, the nation’s maritime environment is both an asset and liability.
With more than 853 kilometres of coastline and an expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the country depends heavily on maritime routes for trade, energy supply, and revenue generation.
The new Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Adm. Idi Abbas, inherits an institution that has made significant progress in recent years, notably in reducing piracy, illegal bunkering, and crude oil theft through operations such as Dakatar Da Barawo and Water Guard.
However, the challenges remain formidable.
Illegal fishing, smuggling, and maritime crime continue to threaten economic stability and national security.
The Navy’s modernisation drive, including the acquisition of new offshore patrol vessels, drones, and surveillance systems, is expected to continue under the new leadership.
Equally important is regional cooperation.
The Gulf of Guinea remains one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors, and Nigeria’s leadership role within the Yaoundé Code of Conduct framework is crucial for sustained maritime security.
Analysts believe that the new CNS will need to strengthen intelligence sharing with regional navies and enhance Nigeria’s participation in multinational operations to safeguard its maritime interests.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under its new Chief of Air Staff (CAS), AVM Sunday Aneke, is poised to expand its strategic role in both combat and humanitarian operations.
The NAF’s precision strikes have been instrumental in decimating terrorist enclaves, disrupting logistics corridors, and supporting ground troops in complex terrains.
The integration of drones, surveillance aircraft, and precision-guided munitions has transformed the Air Force into a key player in Nigeria’s asymmetric warfare landscape.
Going forward, experts suggest that the new CAS should focus on capacity building — investing in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and indigenous technology production.
Strengthening local research partnerships, such as those with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna, could help Nigeria reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and enhance sustainability.
Moreover, the Air Force’s expanding humanitarian role, from medical evacuations to emergency relief, underscores its growing importance beyond combat.
The new leadership is expected to sustain this dual function, aligning with Nigeria’s broader national development agenda.
On the whole, beyond tactical operations, the new service chiefs face the challenge of redefining Nigeria’s defence strategy to meet contemporary realities.
In his view, a former Director of Peacekeeping Operations with the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, retired Maj.-Gen. Anthony Atolagbe, said that the change would generate excitement within the military.