Nigeria’s Armed Forces Renew Leadership: A Tribute to Dedication, Continuity and National Service

Nigeria’s Armed Forces Renew Leadership: A Tribute to Dedication, Continuity and National Service

Today marks a significant moment for Nigeria’s security architecture: the handing-over and taking-over ceremony for our Service Chiefs. It is a day of respect for those who are stepping down, high hopes for those moving up, and renewed commitment to the people whose safety and peace remain at the heart of their mandate.

As we salute the outgoing Service Chiefs, we do so not in criticism but in appreciation. Under the leadership of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, and his colleagues at Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Intelligence, progress was made in confronting insurgency, improving coordination, and redefining Nigeria’s defence posture. Their service came at a cost, but also bore visible results, more disciplined operations, deeper civil-military collaboration and the laying of groundwork for sustained reforms. Their legacies form the solid foundation upon which the incoming team will build upon.

At the same time, today is a moment to again extend my warm congratulations to the newly appointed Service Chiefs. We recognize that they inherit significant responsibility at a critical moment for the nation. Their charge is clear, to continue the fight against insecurity; to strengthen inter-service cooperation; to modernize logistics, intelligence, training, and to deepen public trust in the Armed Forces.

Over the past two years, the outgoing chiefs led by General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, alongside the former Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff, stood firm in a period of intensifying security challenges. They coordinated operations in the Northeast, responded to banditry in the Northwest, and tackled maritime and communal security threats. While no leader has solved every problem, each brought dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism to their office. Their efforts reshaped the way commands coordinate, they reinforced the principle that the military must not act alone but with strategic partners, civilians and other arms of government. For that, they deserve our sincere commendation.

Their tenure has also shown that leadership is more than issuing orders, it is about adaptation, capacity-building, and changing mindsets inside the military. They opened pathways to improved training, introduced new doctrines of civil-military engagement, and ensured that security forces remain answerable to democratic norms even while facing deeply entrenched threats. As they depart their roles, their successes and lessons remain part of Nigeria’s evolving security story.

Into this legacy now steps a new generation of service leaders, men appointed to steer Nigeria’s Armed Forces into its next chapter. Their credentials reflect years of service, leadership in difficult theatres, and readiness to respond to evolving threats.

Take for example, Lt. General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff. A soldier whose career spans over three decades, he served previously as Chief of Army Staff, and before that as Commander of the Infantry Corps. He commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast. His record includes participation in international missions such as ECOMOG in Liberia and Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi. 

Similarly, the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General W. Shaibu, brings to his role a wealth of operational experience, academic training, and proven leadership in combat theatres. His career reflects service across counter-insurgency operations and internal security zones.

The appointment of Air Vice-Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff introduces fresh air leadership with strong professional credentials. Rear Admiral I. Abbas, now Chief of Naval Staff, brings deep naval command experience. And Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye continues as Chief of Defence Intelligence, providing continuity in one of the most sensitive arms of national security.

Each of these new leaders inherits a country grappling with insurgency, banditry, maritime threats, and inter-communal insecurity. But they also inherit something invaluable: the experience, reforms, and goodwill earned by their predecessors, and with it, the trust of millions of Nigerians who expect more than promises.

As they formally take office today, the incoming Service Chiefs step into roles that demand vision, courage, and humility. Their mandate is not only to lead troops in battle, but to build systems that last such as improved welfare and training for soldiers, upgraded logistics, responsiveness to civilian communities and sustained emphasis on rules of engagement, human rights, and cooperation with local authorities.

We trust that their wealth of experience on the front lines, in training, in strategic planning will equips them to deliver on that mandate. We believe they will build on the gains of the past, while also adapting to new challenges.

Their success will not be measured solely by battles won, but by lives protected, confidence won and communities restored. If they uphold the highest standard of integrity, transparency and collaboration, these new leaders can elevate Nigeria’s defence architecture to new heights.

Today’s handing-over is not just symbolic. It is a renewal of commitment to the people of Nigeria. It is a promise that those entrusted with the highest military responsibilities will continue to serve with courage, professionalism and patriotism.

We salute the service of those who hand over their commands, and we welcome those who step up to lead. May the incoming Service Chiefs deliver on the trust placed in them by our nation. May their tenure usher in stronger security, deeper stability, and enduring peace for all Nigerians.

Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu,

Sarkin Yakin Kanya Babba 

President, Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement For PeaceUnityEmpowermentandDevelopmentInitiative (NSNCM).

Spokesperson Ministry of Defence Ministerial Standing Committee on Military Veterans Welfare 

Deputy National Coordinator Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces 

DCG Intergovernmental Affairs Strategy and Planing CJTF

DCG SPECIAL Duties Harmany Corps of Nigeria