NIGERIA’S newly appointed Service Chiefs yesterday vowed to revamp the nation’s security system through international partnerships, domestic arms production, inter-agency cooperation, and improved welfare for military personnel.
The officers made this commitment during their screening sessions at the Senate and House of Representatives, where they faced extensive questioning and pledged to strengthen the armed forces for modern combat and internal security challenges.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said his years of experience in national security had prepared him for the role, promising to improve military efficiency, promote unity across all services, and deepen bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation.
He also called for the creation of a local military-industrial complex to reduce dependence on costly foreign arms procurement.
“We can’t continue buying equipment abroad; it’s not sustainable. Nigeria must build its capacity to produce what it needs to secure itself,” Oluyede said. He added that the welfare of troops and their families would be a top priority.
Emphasising the importance of intelligence-led operations, Oluyede noted that internal threats such as misinformation and cyber warfare require innovative strategies.
“We’ll strengthen both local and international collaborations to defeat insurgency and restore nationwide peace,” he said.
Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, promised to enhance training, intelligence gathering, and operational readiness.
Citing his record, he said, “Under my leadership, we rescued 15 Chibok girls and neutralised several terrorist leaders. I intend to bring renewed energy to our operations.”
Senator Isah Jubrin (Kogi East) endorsed his competence, describing him as humble and capable of delivering results.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abas, revealed plans to deploy advanced technologies such as drones for maritime patrols to combat piracy, oil theft, and sea-based kidnappings.
“Terrain challenges make some patrols wasteful, but drones will enhance surveillance efficiency,” he said, while supporting deradicalisation initiatives for repentant insurgents.
For the Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke said his tenure would be defined by innovation, discipline, and aggressive tactics against terrorism.
“We have men and women risking their lives daily. Every action we take will be guided by the goal of preserving peace and protecting Nigeria,” he said, confirming that the Super Tucano aircraft from the U.S. were fully operational in the North-East and North-West.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while opening the screening, stated that the exercise was a constitutional obligation to ensure only competent and patriotic officers lead the military.
“We have grilled the nominees thoroughly and are confident they will restore security and rebuild public confidence,” he said after the session.
In the House of Representatives, Defence Committee Chairman Babajimi Benson described the screening as vital to ensuring accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s security leadership.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to decorate the newly confirmed Service Chiefs today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Earlier in the week, Tinubu met with them privately, urging decisive action against insurgents and bandits in northern Nigeria.
The reshuffle, announced last Friday, follows weeks of online speculation about a coup plot, which the Defence Headquarters dismissed as false. Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau clarified that reports of officer arrests were related to “indiscipline,” not an attempted coup.
With their confirmations concluded, the new military heads now face the task of restoring peace and stability across the nation—an assignment seen as one of the most critical in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity.