Nigeria’s New Service Chiefs Vow Unyielding Fight Against Security Threats

By Angel Ike

The newly appointed Nigerian Service Chiefs have committed to aggressively tackling the country’s severe security crises,including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and widespread criminality.

During their Wednesday screening by House Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force, the chiefs pledged firm dedication to restoring peace and stability nationwide.

Arriving at the National Assembly with Defence Minister Muhammed Badaru Abubakar and senior military officials, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff nominee, emphasised that his appointment by President Bola Tinubu signals a strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s Armed Forces leadership.

“This opportunity allows us to reshape the nation’s security framework,” Oluyede said.

He drew on over three decades of service, including his tenure as the 24th Chief of Army Staff, to assure lawmakers of his readiness to lead effectively if confirmed.

Oluyede stressed that multi-agency cooperation and partnerships with neighboring countries are essential to confronting security challenges.

He also pledged to prioritise the welfare of military personnel, recognising it as vital to operational success.

Rear Admiral I. Abbas, nominee for Chief of Naval Staff, echoed a similar commitment to revamping the Navy for increased efficiency, citing his extensive operational and leadership experience.

Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, urged the nominees to deliver tangible results against evolving threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, and maritime insecurity.

“Our nation demands capable and visionary leaders to secure peace and prosperity,” Benson declared,

He emphasised the committee’s fair and rigorous evaluation.Together, these new leaders signal a determined push to safeguard Nigeria’s future amid complex security threats.

At plenary on Thursday, the house confirmed the service Chiefs following the adoption of the report by the Ad-hoc Committee that screened them as presented by the chairman, Babajimi Benson.

Chairman of the committee of the whole and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu approved the recommendations.