President Bola Tinubu has decorated Nigeria’s newly appointed Service Chiefs with their new ranks, charging them to deliver tangible results in the fight against insecurity across the country.
The brief but symbolic ceremony was held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
During the event, the President decorated the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, who was formerly a Lieutenant General; the new Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Wahidi Shaibu (formerly Major General); the new Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (formerly Rear Admiral); and the new Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke (formerly Air Vice Marshal).
Also decorated was the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye, who was retained in his position but elevated to a higher rank.
Tinubu’s Charge
Addressing the newly decorated military chiefs, President Tinubu urged them to discharge their duties with patriotism, courage, and innovation, stressing that Nigerians are eager to see peace restored across the nation.
“Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these threats to fester,” Tinubu declared.
“Be decisive and proactive. Smash the new snakes right in the head. Nigerians expect results, not excuses. Be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary and ensure the crisis that began in 2009 does not persist any longer.”
The President further emphasized unity and collaboration among the services, saying the era of inter-agency rivalry must give way to synergy and strategic coordination.
Service Chiefs Pledge Loyalty and Results
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, General Olufemi Oluyede expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in them, pledging unwavering loyalty to his administration and commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces under their command would redouble efforts to end terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities, thereby paving the way for national stability and economic growth.
“We will justify the trust reposed in us. Our loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and to democracy is total,” Oluyede affirmed.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Wives of the newly decorated officers joined their husbands in the ceremony, assisting in the pinning of their new ranks.
Among those present were Vice President Kashim Shettima; President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.
Appointments and Senate Confirmation
President Tinubu appointed the new Service Chiefs earlier in October 2025. Their nominations were screened and confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, following a two-hour closed-door session during which lawmakers scrutinized their plans for strengthening national security and reforming the Armed Forces.
After the confirmation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President’s choices, describing the new military leaders as “seasoned professionals with the experience and integrity to reposition Nigeria’s defence architecture.”
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