In a decisive move aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s national security framework, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved a major reorganisation in the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The President has appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Christopher Musa. Also appointed are Major General Waidi Shaibu as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.
This development, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to building a more robust and responsive national security architecture capable of effectively tackling evolving security challenges.
Profiles of the Newly Appointed Service Chiefs
General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Prior to his elevation as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede served as the Chief of Army Staff. He is a distinguished member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992.
General Oluyede has served meritoriously in various capacities, including as Commander of the Infantry Corps, Jaji, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He has also participated in key operations such as ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
The 56-year-old senior officer is a recipient of multiple honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, and Membership of the Nationality Institute.
Major General Waidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
Born on 18 December 1971 in Olamaboro LGA, Kogi State, Major General Waidi Shaibu was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps on 17 September 1994 after completing the 41 Regular Course of the NDA.
A decorated and battle-tested commander, Major General Shaibu holds several academic and professional qualifications, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (NDA, Kaduna), Master’s Degrees in Public Administration (University of Calabar), Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan), and Security and Strategic Studies (National Defence University, Washington D.C., USA).
His career spans critical operational commands, including General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Commander, Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, and Chief of Training, Army Headquarters.
General Shaibu is married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, and they are blessed with two children.
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke – Chief of Air Staff (CAS)
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke was born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, and hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. He was admitted into the 40th Regular Course of the NDA and commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1993.
An accomplished pilot and strategist, AVM Aneke holds a BSc in Physics, a PGD in Management, and multiple Master’s degrees in International Affairs and Diplomacy, Political Economy and Developmental Studies, and Strategic Studies from reputable local and international institutions, including the Air War College, Air University, Montgomery, Alabama, USA.
He has held key command and staff positions such as Director of Policy, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Director of Safety, and Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy.
AVM Aneke is married to Mrs. Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and they are blessed with three sons.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)
Born on September 20, 1969, in Nassarawa LGA of Kano State, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy on 10 September 1993 as part of the 40th Regular Course of the NDA. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and is a specialist in Above Water Warfare (AWW).
Rear Admiral Abbas has attended numerous professional courses locally and abroad, including at NNS QUORRA and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. His previous appointments include Commander Task Group, Operation Tsare-Teku, Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, and Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations.
Until his latest appointment, he served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre.
Rear Admiral Abbas is a devoted Muslim, married to Mrs. Aisha Abbas, and their union is blessed with two sons.
A Renewed Commitment to National Security
The President expressed confidence that the newly appointed Service Chiefs possess the professional competence, strategic depth, and patriotic zeal required to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security posture.
The President urged them to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation, ensuring the safety and unity of all Nigerians while upholding the highest standards of military discipline and professionalism.
