The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday assumed duty as the 19th Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, following the confirmation of his appointment along with other Service Chiefs on Wednesday by the National Assembly.
Speaking at the brief handing and taking over ceremony at the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, Abuja, Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed his total commitment to the defence and security of the nation against insurgent activities.
The 19th CDS acknowledged the nature of threats confronting the nation, ranging from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to emerging cyber, aerial, and maritime security threats, which required the military to be ever vigilant, innovative, and united.
According to him, ‘My leadership will therefore be guided by the principles of professionalism, jointness, discipline, innovation, and accountability. We shall build on the achievements of my predecessor by strengthening synergy among the services and defence agencies.
‘We shall also enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies. Our objective, which is to restore and sustain peace, stability, and national cohesion in every part of our dear country, remains uncontestable.’
Gen. Oluyede, while promising to sustain the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality in the country, expressed optimism that whatever challenges the nation was facing now, there would be success.
According to him, ‘We will prevail as a nation. It is a battle that must be fought on multiple fronts, and crucial among them is the battle space of public trust, information, and national morale.’
The CDS added that, apart from welfare for officers and men, he would prioritise capacity building, research, and technological innovation to enhance operational efficiency and strategic foresight.
According to him, ‘In doing so, we shall leverage the resources and intellect available across our defence institutions, as well as partnerships with local and international stakeholders. To our gallant soldiers, ratings, airmen and airwomen, you remain the pride and backbone of our Armed Forces.’
Gen. Oluyede expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the opportunity given to him to serve the nation as CDS, while thanking the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ‘for considering me worthy to take charge of the affairs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria after transiting from command of the Nigerian Army.’
Earlier, the outgone CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, said his tenure was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
According to him, ‘We faced a complex and dynamic security landscape, but we confronted it with unwavering resolve, guided by our constitutional mandate and a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria. We pursued a philosophy of jointness, people-centricity, inter-agency cooperation, and kinetic synergy.
‘Under my watch, we worked tirelessly to deepen the integration of our Army, Navy, and Air Force. The establishment of Joint Task Forces across our theatres of operations stands as a testament to our commitment to a unified approach,’ Musa said.
Gen. Musa lauded the roles played by the media during his tenure, describing them as invaluable allies of the military and a vital bridge between the front lines and the public – standing tall for the realities on the ground against the propaganda of enemies and carrying the stories of the troops’ courage, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of immense adversity.
According to him, ‘You have chronicled not just the challenges, but also the significant gains, the liberated communities, the rescued hostages, and the restored hope.
‘There might be mistakes, but they were never deliberate. And they are mistakes because we are humans. By bringing these narratives to light, you have helped a nation understand and appreciate the immense burden our soldiers bear.’
The former CDS paid special tribute to the fallen heroes, saying they were brave souls who paid the ultimate price in service to the fatherland. ‘We must never forget their sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers also go with our wounded colleagues and their families.’
He also urged the new Service Chiefs, officers, and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, in general, to cooperate with the new CDS, Gen. Oluyede, in the national interest.
. COAS promises immediate deployment of fresh strategies
At the Army Headquarters, after taking over the helm of affairs, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, promised to take decisive action to tackle insecurity and pledged to protect Nigerians from criminal threats.
Shaibu described the prevailing security situation, which has forced citizens into fear, displacement, and economic difficulty, as unacceptable.
He said, ‘We obviously live in tough times, but I have no doubt that we are tough people too.
‘I am aware of the developing situation in some parts of our country which has put law-abiding citizens in economic hardship, fear, and displacement. These situations are not acceptable and need my urgent attention.’
He promised an immediate review of the security landscape and the deployment of fresh strategies to ‘mitigate and ultimately defeat the threat.’
‘I want to assure Mr President, our Commander-in-Chief, and Nigerians that we shall not disappoint the nation,’ he added.
Shaibu commended his predecessor for improvements in equipment procurement, infrastructure upgrades, and leadership within the Army over the past 11 months.
He pledged to build on those gains, transform the Army into a more agile and combat-ready force, and deepen collaboration with other security agencies.
Shaibu commended troops across various operational theatres, extending the country’s gratitude for their sacrifices.
‘As someone who has been part of you for most of this fight, I feel you, I feel your families, and we shall not disappoint you,’ he said.
He also honoured fallen soldiers, assuring that the Army would continue to support their families.
‘It is a new dawn, and I believe we have a job to do,’ he declared.
We’ll strengthen maritime security operations to curb oil theft – CNS
The new Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, pledged to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes undermining Nigeria’s economy.
At the handing-over ceremony at the Naval Headquarters, Abbas, who is the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff, noted that despite previous achievements, the nation’s maritime domain remains threatened by crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, and other criminal activities that endanger national security and economic growth.
To tackle these challenges, the Naval Chief unveiled strategic priorities for his tenure, which include strengthening maritime security operations, enhancing fleet capability through aggressive fleet renewal and increased deployment of technology, prioritising personnel training and welfare, and deepening collaboration with other security agencies.
He said, ‘I am not unaware that our maritime environment remains threatened by a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking.
‘These crimes not only undermine our national economy and energy security, but also threaten the livelihoods of our coastal communities and the economic stability of our dear nation.
‘To confront these challenges decisively, my tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach – strengthening maritime security, enhancing our fleet through aggressive renewal and technology, prioritising training and personnel welfare, and fostering inter-agency, regional and international collaboration.’
Describing his appointment as a privilege, Abbas vowed to discharge his duties with dedication, integrity, and loyalty.
While assuring that the welfare of Naval personnel will remain a top priority, he urged them to uphold the core values of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.
‘I promise to lead from the front and ensure that your welfare remains a top priority,’ Abbas said.
We’ll bring about swift improvement in security – CAS
The new Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, vowed to leave no stone unturned to bring about swift improvement in the nation’s security.
Aneke, who is the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, took over from his predecessor, Air Marshal Hasan Abubaker, during a brief ceremony at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Abuja.
In his inaugural address, the CAS described his appointment as a call to duty and pledged unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and a commitment to prioritise the welfare of officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
According to him, ‘I also pledge my loyalty and that of the Nigerian Air Force officers, airmen, and airwomen to the government and people of Nigeria, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution,’ Aneke said.
The new Air Chief vowed to sustain and build on the achievements of his predecessor, particularly in ongoing operations against insurgency and other internal security threats.
He assured that the NAF would continue to work with other military and security agencies to strengthen national security.
‘I promise to ensure that the welfare needs of all officers, airmen, airwomen, and their family members are promptly addressed to motivate them for improved productivity,’ he said.
While acknowledging the support given to his predecessor, Aneke appealed to the National Assembly to continue its collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, describing legislative backing as vital to the success of ongoing security operations.