President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday decorated the newly appointed service chiefs with their respective ranks at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event, which commenced shortly after 2 p.m., featured Vice President Kashim Shettima and the spouses of the newly decorated officers joining the President to perform the symbolic pinning of ranks.
Those decorated include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
Okay News reports that the ceremony came a day after the Senate confirmed the nominees following a two-hour closed-door screening, during which the officers presented strategies to bolster national security and enhance coordination among the armed forces.
In his address, President Tinubu reaffirmed his confidence in the leadership of the new service chiefs, urging them to “act decisively in defence of the nation’s territorial integrity and protect citizens against all forms of insecurity.”
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said in a statement that the recent military reshuffle was “part of efforts to inject new direction and vitality into Nigeria’s defence architecture.”
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retained his position in the newly restructured military leadership.
Speaking to journalists, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed speculations linking the changes to recent coup rumours. “The President acted within his authority as Commander-in-Chief. Service chiefs can be hired and fired by the President,” he said.
It was gathered that the new service chiefs had earlier met privately with the President at the Villa, where they were charged to take swift and coordinated action against insurgents and bandits, particularly in the northern region.
Presidency insiders said the reshuffle followed weeks of strategic consultations aimed at boosting the morale of the armed forces and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s security structure.
