*As Reps Demand Results Amid Rising Threats
By Christiana Ekpa
Nigeria’s newly appointed Service Chiefs have pledged to overhaul the nation’s security architecture and restore public confidence in the Armed Forces as they faced lawmakers during their screening at the National Assembly on Wednesday.
The nominees — Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shuaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke — appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force for their confirmation hearings.
Lt. General Oluyede, who is poised to become the 19th Chief of Defence Staff, described his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an opportunity to “rejig the security architecture of our beloved country” and strengthen coordination among the Armed Forces.
“I have served this great nation for over three decades and understand the complex nature of our security challenges,” he said. “If confirmed, I will do my utmost to justify the confidence reposed in me by Mr. President, the National Assembly, and Nigerians.”
He stressed the importance of joint operations, regional cooperation, and international partnerships, saying these would be key to defeating insurgency, banditry, and emerging threats such as cyber and maritime crimes.
Oluyede also promised to prioritize personnel welfare and deepen collaboration with the National Assembly for adequate funding and oversight.
“Our troops deserve the best. I will ensure their welfare and well-being remain top priorities while sustaining reforms that promote discipline, professionalism, and accountability,” he assured.
The Chief of Army Staff nominee, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, echoed Oluyede’s commitment, vowing to inject “new vigor and innovation” into troop operations and training.
A seasoned officer with over 30 years of experience and multiple postgraduate degrees, Shuaibu recalled leading several key military operations, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls and the neutralization of high-profile terror commanders.
“With my experience in combating threats across the country, I intend to strengthen troop morale and ensure that every soldier gets what is due to them,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is to create an enabling environment where citizens can move freely and live without fear.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, emphasized that the screening was not ceremonial but a constitutional oversight function aimed at ensuring accountability and competence at the top of the military hierarchy.
“The House represents the Nigerian people, and Nigerians expect results,” Benson declared. “We face evolving threats — from terrorism and banditry to cyber and maritime insecurity — and the new Service Chiefs must demonstrate readiness to confront them head-on.”
He urged the nominees to be open, visionary, and courageous in restoring peace and stability, saying the National Assembly would partner with the Armed Forces to secure Nigeria’s future.
“This process allows us to gauge your plans, your priorities, and your understanding of the security landscape. Only the most capable and visionary leaders will be confirmed to lead at this critical time,” Benson said.
The screening session ended on a note of shared commitment between lawmakers and the nominees to rebuild trust, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and ensure that Nigeria’s security forces remain professional, accountable, and people-centered.
Both sides agreed that a restructured and well-equipped Armed Forces is critical to restoring peace, driving economic growth, and upholding national unity.
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