Senate Confirms Appointment of New Service Chiefs

October 29, 2025
By Tobi Akinnubi

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of the newly nominated service chiefs forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following their screening on Wednesday at the National Assembly in Abuja.

The confirmation followed the presentation of the report of the Senate Committee on Defence, which recommended the approval of the nominees in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Those confirmed include Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff. The Senate also confirmed Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

During the plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the newly confirmed service chiefs and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by tackling the prevailing security challenges confronting the nation.

Akpabio assured that the National Assembly would continue to provide the necessary legislative and budgetary support to enhance the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces and strengthen national security.

The confirmation marks a major shake-up in Nigeria’s defence leadership as the Tinubu administration moves to reposition the military for improved coordination and effectiveness in dealing with insurgency, banditry, and other security threats across the country.