Army redeploys 67 generals; Tinubu demands results

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the posting and appointment of senior officers to key commands, staff and instructional positions across formations, units and training institutions of the Nigerian Army. The move, Shaibu said, was aimed at reinvigorating leadership, strengthening command structures and repositioning the Nigerian Army for heightened operational […]

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the posting and appointment of senior officers to key commands, staff and instructional positions across formations, units and training institutions of the Nigerian Army.

The move, Shaibu said, was aimed at reinvigorating leadership, strengthening command structures and repositioning the Nigerian Army for heightened operational effectiveness.

The Army spokesperson, Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Thursday, said among the newly appointed senior officers are Major General Bamidele  Alabi, who has been redeployed to Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans and appointed Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, formerly Chief of Special Services and Programmes at Army Headquarters proceeds to Defence Headquarters Department of Operations as Chief of Defence Operations, while Major General Peter Mala moves from Office of the National Security Adviser to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC) as Commander.

In the same vein, Major General Samson Jiya, from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) moves to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Accounts and Budget as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.

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Anele, a Lieutenant-Colonel, said other strategic appointments include Major General Mayirenso Saraso from NAHFC to Army Headquarters Department of Operations, as Chief of Operations (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi from Defence Headquarters to Army Headquarters Department of Administration as Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi from Army Headquarters to Department of Training to Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs, as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs.

Major General Abubakar Haruna from NAHFC to Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, as Commander and Major General Philip Ilodibia from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans to Defence Space Administration as Chief of Defence Space Administration.

She added, “Equally appointed are Major General Godwin Mutkut, from Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) N’Djamena to Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre as Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar from the Ministry of Defence to Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps as Commander Armour Corps, Major General John Adeyemo moves from Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery as Corps Commander Artillery and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi from Nigerian Army Cyberwarfare Command to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals as Corps Commander Signals.

“Additionally, Major General Taofik Sidick has been redeployed from the NAHFC to Headquarters Nigerian Army Finance Corps as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army),  Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim from NAHFC to Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps as Corps Commander Ordnance,  Major General Adeyinka Adereti from Defence Headquarters to Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as Corps Commander,  Major General Nansak Shagaya from Army Headquarters Department of Operations to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport as Corps Commander Supply and Transport while Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed has been appointed Acting Corps Commander Education.

“The COAS also approved the appointment of Major General Oluyemi Olatoye,  from Headquarters 82 Division/ Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna and appointed Commandant, Major General Emmanuel Mustapha from Defence Space Administration to Nigerian Army Signal School as Commandant, Major General Adamu Hassan from Nigerian Defence Section, Riyadh, to Nigerian Army School of Artillery as Commandant and Brigadier General John Bulus from Headquarters Nigerian Army Finance Corps to Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts as Commandant.

“Senior officers appointed as field commanders include Major General Saidu Audu from the Army Headquarters Department of Training to Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), N’Djamena, as Force Commander, Major General Warrah Idris from Defence Headquarters to Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA as Commander and Major General Oluremi Fadairo from Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs to 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu as General Officer Commanding and Commander Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA.

“The COAS further appointed Major General Olatokumbo Bello  as the Director Defence Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, while Brigadier General Samaila Uba was redeployed from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji to Defence Headquarters as Director Defence Information.

“Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu charged the newly appointed senior officers to bring to bear their wealth of operational experience, administrative acumen and strategic foresight in driving a disciplined and combat-ready Army to decisively confront the contemporary and emerging security challenges.”

The army chief urged them to sustain the current operational momentum, strengthen interagency collaboration and remain unwavering in upholding the Nigerian Army’s core ethos of loyalty, selfless service, integrity and excellence.

No more excuses, Tinubu tells service chiefs

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, charged the newly appointed service chiefs to intensify efforts to defeat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities across the country.

Tinubu, who gave this charge at the Presidential Villa, shortly after decorating the service chiefs with their new ranks, emphasised that Nigerians expect results, not excuses.

The president, last week, undertook a major shake up in the hierarchy of the country’s security architecture.

The newly decorated handlers of the nation’s armed forces include: Lieutenant-General, now General Olufemi Oluyede, as Chief of Defence Staff; and Major-General, now Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Undiendeye, as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Others are Major-General, now Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Air Vice Marshal, now Air Marshal Kevin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral, now Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

Speaking after the decoration, Tinubu said, “We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal.

“Nigerians expect results, not excuses. I also urge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary.”

The ceremony, which was held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu; the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Olamilekan Adeola, were also in attendance.

Also present were the Governors of Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Ogun, Dapo Abiodun.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of the Civil Service, Esther Didi Walson-Jack; Chairmen of Defence Committees in the National Assembly, Ahmad Lawan and Babajimi Benson.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu were also in attendance.

Tinubu, while tasking the new military chiefs to dismantle the activities of emerging armed groups that have regrouped in some parts of the country, maintained that he won’t tolerate excuses.

“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South.

“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head,” Nigeria’s leader said.

He assured the armed forces of the federal government’s readiness to support their efforts, reiterating that the safety and security of Nigerians remain paramount for national development.

He urged the service chiefs to ensure synergy and provide exemplary leadership in all their operations.

Responding on behalf of the service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the President for finding them worthy of the appointments.

Oluyede urged Nigerians to support the military in the campaign to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and rid the country of terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.

He also assured the president of their determination to keep the country safe.

“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. I want to encourage Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us, and ultimately, we will make Nigeria a safer place. That’s our promise to you,” he said.

‘I will prioritise intelligence-driven operations’

Speaking when he formally took over the military’s leadership, the newly-appointed defence chief, General Oluyede, vowed to deepen intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration among security and defence agencies.

The handing over ceremony, which was held at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, had Oluyede’s predecessor, General Christopher Musa in attendance.

Oluyede said Nigeria’s evolving security threats — including terrorism, banditry, cybercrimes and maritime security challenges — require an intelligence-driven response anchored on synergy across all security formations.

He said, “The nature of threats confronting our nation requires us to be ever vigilant, innovative and united. We shall enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies to restore and sustain peace and stability across the country.”

The new CDS emphasised that intelligence gathering and sharing would be central to the recalibrated defence posture under his leadership, noting that jointness, professionalism and accountability would drive military operations going forward.

Oluyede also pledged to leverage research, capacity-building and technology to improve situational awareness, operational foresight and early threat detection.

“We will prioritise capacity-building, research and technological innovation to enhance operational efficiency and strategic foresight,” he added.

He further assured troops of his commitment to their welfare.

“Equally important is the welfare of our officers and men, which remains central to operational effectiveness.

“Under my leadership, the Defence Headquarters will continue to advocate improved welfare, housing, medical support and training opportunities for personnel and their families.

“We shall also invest in the moral and psychological well-being of our troops, ensuring that their sacrifices are recognised and rewarded,” he said.

Earlier, the immediate past CDS, General Musa, urged the military and intelligence community to give Oluyede full cooperation, describing him as a “distinguished officer with strategic insight and impeccable credentials.”

He said, “I have known him for many years and I can attest to his professionalism, strategic insight and dedication to duty. I urge the service chiefs to give him full cooperation so that they can work as a team. I urge every officer and soldier to extend to him the same loyalty, cooperation and dedication you gave me.

“The task ahead remains demanding, but with your support and his leadership, I am certain the armed forces will scale greater heights and achieve even more resounding successes.”

 

‘Criminals terrorising Nigeria won’t go scot-free’

On his part, the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, promised to take decisive action to tackle insecurity and protect Nigerians from criminal threats.

Speaking during the handover ceremony that was held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, Shaibu described the prevailing security situation—which has forced citizens into fear, displacement and economic difficulty—as unacceptable.

He said, “We obviously live in tough times, but I have no doubt that we are tough people too. I’m aware of the developing situation in some parts of our country, which has put law-abiding citizens in economic hardship, fear and displacement. These situations are not acceptable and need my urgent attention.”

He promised an immediate review of the security landscape and the deployment of fresh strategies to “mitigate and ultimately defeat the threat.”

“I want to assure Mr President, our Commander-in-Chief, and Nigerians that we shall not disappoint the nation,” he added.

Shaibu commended his predecessor for improvements in equipment procurement, infrastructure upgrades and leadership within the Army over the past 11 months. He pledged to build on those gains, transform the Army into a more agile and combat-ready force, and deepen collaboration with other security agencies.

To troops across various operational theatres, he offered words of encouragement and gratitude.

“As someone who has been part of you for most of this fight, I feel you, I feel your families, and we shall not disappoint you,” he said.

He also honoured fallen soldiers, calling for a minute of silence and assuring that the Army would continue to support their families.

“It is a new dawn, and I believe we have a job to do,” the new Chief of Army Staff said.

 

We’ll leave no stone unturned to improve Nigeria’s security – Air chief

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Thursday formally assumed office with a pledge to leave no stone unturned to bring about swift improvement in the nation’s security.

Aneke, the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, took over from his predecessor, Air Marshal Hasan Abubaker, during a ceremony held at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Abuja.

In his inaugural address, the new CAS described his appointment as a call to national duty and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.

He pledged unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and a commitment to prioritise the welfare of officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

He said, “My appointment as the twenty-third Chief of the Air Staff is both an honour and a humbling experience. I wish to specially thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the honour and rare privilege extended to me to serve Nigeria,” he said.

He pledged his loyalty and that of the entire Air Force personnel to the President, the Federal Government and Nigerians.

“I also pledge my loyalty and that of the Nigerian Air Force officers, airmen and airwomen to the government and people of Nigeria as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution,” Aneke said.

The new Air Chief vowed to sustain and build on the achievements of his predecessor, particularly in ongoing operations against insurgency and other internal security threats.

He assured that the NAF would continue to work with other military and security agencies to strengthen national security.

“Together, we will leave no stone unturned in discharging our constitutional roles in conjunction with other sister Services, security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to bring about swift improvement in the security situation of Nigeria,” he added.

Aneke also promised that personnel welfare would be a central priority under his leadership, noting that a motivated force is essential to achieving operational efficiency.

“I promise to ensure that the welfare needs of all officers, airmen, airwomen and their family members are promptly addressed to motivate them for improved productivity,” he said.

Leave your criminal business, naval chief warns oil bunkers

Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, while assuming office, pledged to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes undermining Nigeria’s economy.

At the handing-over ceremony that was held at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja, Abbas — the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff — acknowledged that despite previous achievements, the nation’s maritime domain remains threatened by crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other criminal activities that endanger national security and economic growth.

To tackle these challenges, he unveiled strategic priorities for his tenure, which include strengthening maritime security operations, enhancing fleet capability through aggressive fleet renewal and increased deployment of technology, prioritising personnel training and welfare, and deepening collaboration with other security agencies.

“I am not unaware that our maritime environment remains threatened by a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking,” he said.

“These crimes not only undermine our national economy and energy security but also threaten the livelihoods of our coastal communities and the economic stability of our dear nation.

“To confront these challenges decisively, my tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach — strengthening maritime security, enhancing our fleet through aggressive renewal and technology, prioritising training and personnel welfare, and fostering inter-agency, regional and international collaboration.”

Describing his appointment as a privilege, Abbas vowed to discharge his duties with dedication, integrity and loyalty.

“It is with humility and gratitude to God that I stand before you today as the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff. I am eternally grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for finding me worthy to lead the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, whose “visionary leadership,” he said, laid a solid foundation for the Navy’s continued progress.

Abbas urged naval personnel to uphold the core values of integrity, professionalism and teamwork, assuring that their welfare will remain a priority.

“I promise to lead from the front and ensure that your welfare remains a top priority,” he said, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s waters and supporting the growth of the blue economy.