New Service Chiefs Promise To Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges

By Alkassim Balarabe Tsakuwa, Abuja

The new Service Chiefs nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have assured that, they will do their best to address the myriad of Nigeria’s Security Challenges in the form of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping as well as other forms of criminalities in the country.

They gave the assurance during their screening by the House Committees on Defence, Army, Navy and the AirForce on Wednesday.

In his presentation before the Committee, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede said his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu followed the recent changes in the top hierarchy by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He said, “This is an ability to rejig the security architecture of our beloved country.
I am grateful to Mr. President for appointing me as the 24th Chief of Army Staff which was confirmed by this esteemed Assembly on the 3rd of December, 2024.

“I have been at the helms of affairs of the Nigerian Army for over one year now, and I’m able to state that under my watch, the Nigerian Army made significant administrative and operational achievements.

“As underscored in my CV, I have served this great nation as an officer of Nigerian Army for over three decades. My exposure to national security issues at the junior, middle, and senior cadres of the military profession, and ultimately at the 24th Chief of Army Staff has prepared me adequately for this assignment that I am being screened for today.

“Of significant to the fact that in the past six years, I have operated at the senior operational and management levels of Nigerian Army, and by extension, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and I have been somewhat part of the running of the services. Thus, I cannot completely distance myself from the successes or setbacks of our great Army in the past couple of years”.

He added that, he see his nomination as a privileged opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army and Armed Forces to enable it to function optimally in line with the dictates of our Constitution.

Lt. Gen. Oluyede added, “Thus, if confirmed by this Joint Army Committee and given the uncommon mandate to lead Nigerian forces, during this period, I shall do my utmost best to justify the confidence reposed in me by my appointed authority, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Order of Federal Republic, my confirming authority, you members of the House of Representatives, and the generality of Nigerians.”

The CDS further noted that, the current security environment in the country requires a united effort on the part of every Nigerian adding that it also calls for strong bilateral and multilateral alliances between Nigeria and its neighbours as well as deep collaboration and jointness by all the Services.

He said, “I am glad that the administration of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on the right path to providing the enabling security environment for socio-economic activities and endeavors to thrive and restore our dear country to the path of pride and success.

“I am honored to be considered worthy to play a part in these efforts, and I look forward to contributing my utmost best by working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in bringing lasting peace to the land and breadth of our dear country, Nigeria.

“I also plan to devote my effort to improving the welfare of the personnel, I repeat, I have every plan to improve the welfare and well-being of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their families.

“I understand the power of the Force and the significance of the National Assembly regarding appropriation and oversight. I plan to work with this all-important committee on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force, and other critical Committees and stakeholders to secure the resources needed to drive my agenda and programs”.

On his part, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas also promised to use his vast experience he garnered over the years in the Nigerian Navy as both instructional staff and operational appointments as well as an instructor in the professional training school.

He said, “At one time I was in Operation Safe Haven as the sector commander. I also had the privilege of being the commander of operations and other operations. I have also had the privilege of being the flag officer commanding Central Naval Command, the Director of Operations at the Naval Headquarters, the PSO at the Naval Headquarters, and the PSO at the Defence Headquarters. I think with these, my appointments and experiences, I think I have a good grasp of what it entails to move the Navy forward, which I intend to do along with my team”.

In his opening remarks earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson challenges the Service Chiefs to live up to expectations.

He said, “Our country today faces evolving threats, from terrorism and banishment to emerging forms of cyber and maritime insecurity. Nigerians expect results, and we in the House of Representatives share that expectation.

“Therefore, this exercise offers an opportunity to interact candidly with the nominees, ascertain their understanding of the current security landscape, and hear their strategic plans for restoring peace and stability across the Federation.

“To our nominees, I urge you to approach this engagement with openness and clarity. The committee looks forward to your insights, your priorities, your new ideas, and how you will break safe to bear in digging and measuring women in uniform with courage and professionalism.

“Finally, let me assure that this committee will be fair. Thank you. Finally, I have to say that we have been very thoughtful, thorough, and objective. Our goal is to ensure that only the most capable and visionary leaders are confirmed to serve the nation at this critical time.

“We are partners in progress, united by a shared commitment to Nigeria’s security, peace, and prosperity”.

The Service Chiefs arrived the House of Representatives alongside the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar and other military officials.

They were earlier screened by the Senate.