The new service chief were screened and confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, after a two-hour closed-door session where senators questioned them on their plans to strengthen national security.
President Bola Tinubu has decorated the newly appointed service chiefs with their new ranks.
The short ceremony took place in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
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The new Chief of Defence Staff, (formerly Lieutenant General) Olufemi Oluyede, was decorated with the new rank of General.
The new Chief of Army Staff, (formerly Major General) Wahidi Shaibu, was decorated with the rank of Lieutenant General, the Chief of Naval Staff, (formerly Rear Admiral) Idi Abbas, was decorated as Vice Admiral, while the Chief of Air Staff, (formerly Air Vice Marshal) Kelvin Aneke, was decorated with the rank of Air Marshall.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, (formerly Major General) Emmanuel Undiendeye, who was retained by the President, was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Wives of the new service chiefs were by the side of their husbands to assist in the decoration.
Also present at the Council Chamber to witness the brief ceremony were the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Others were the Deputy President of the Senate, Jubril Barau; the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.
Security Chiefs
The new service chiefs — Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Wahidi Shaibu (Chief of Army staff), Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval staff), and Kelvin Aneke (Chief of Air Staff) — were appointed by President Tinubu in October, 2025.
They were screened and confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, after a two-hour closed-door session where senators questioned the nominees on their plans to strengthen national security and reform the armed forces.
After the screening, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, later put the question for their confirmation to a voice vote, which was unanimously approved by the upper chamber.
He then commended the President for the selection, stressing that nominees possess the experience and credibility required to reposition the military.
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