Meet Nigeria’s new service chiefs (photos)

President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping shake-up of Nigeria’s military leadership, appointing new service chiefs in a bid to reinforce the country’s security architecture amid persistent threats from insurgents and criminal networks.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare, Tinubu named General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waidi Shuaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

Oluyede Takes Charge as Defence Chief

General Olufemi Oluyede, a seasoned infantry officer from Ekiti State, assumes the role of Chief of Defence Staff. A member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Oluyede began his military career in 1992 and has held key command positions, including leading the Infantry Corps and serving as Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

He previously served as Chief of Army Staff following the death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja in November 2024. Oluyede also participated in peacekeeping missions under ECOMOG in Liberia during the 1990s, gaining valuable experience in regional military operations.

Shuaibu Named Army Chief After Counter-Terror Successes

Major General Waidi Shuaibu steps in as Chief of Army Staff after a successful stint as the 14th Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East. Under his leadership, troops executed deep clearance operations in Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuktu Triangle, neutralising over 567 terrorists and recovering thousands of weapons and communication devices.

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Shuaibu’s tenure saw the rescue of more than 2,200 civilians and the execution of nearly 10,000 patrols. He also led Operation Desert Sanity III, which facilitated the return of over 4,000 internally displaced persons to Kukawa. His community policing initiative helped bridge the gap between troops and locals, earning Operation HADIN KAI the Security Watch Award in 2024.

Aneke Takes Over Air Force Command

Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, a native of Enugu State, now leads the Nigerian Air Force. Born in Makurdi in 1972, Aneke boasts over 4,300 flying hours and holds an Advanced Transport Pilot Licence. He joined the NDA in 1988 and was commissioned in 1993.

Aneke’s academic credentials include multiple postgraduate degrees, including a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Air War College. He has served in various capacities, including commanding officer at Air Maritime Group, Benin, and Director of Policy at NAF Headquarters. He also participated in UN peacekeeping missions in Congo and was Deputy Commandant of the NDA before his appointment.

Abbas Takes Helm at Naval Headquarters

Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, from Kano State, is the new Chief of Naval Staff. He previously served as Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command and Director of Operations at Naval Headquarters, where he coordinated anti-crude oil theft operations and maritime patrols in the Niger Delta.

Abbas commanded NNS Victory in 2020, leading joint efforts against piracy and illegal bunkering. Before his elevation, he was Chief of Naval Safety and Standards and a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre, contributing to maritime strategy development.

The appointments signal a renewed push by the Tinubu administration to recalibrate Nigeria’s security leadership and confront evolving threats with fresh energy and expertise.

Meet Nigeria’s new service chiefs (photos)