Tinubu meets new service chiefs, charts course for stronger national security

President Bola Tinubu on Monday, October 27, 2025, met with the newly appointed Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in their first official engagement with him since assuming office.

The closed-door meeting was aimed at setting a clear direction for the nation’s security strategy under the new military leadership.

Led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the team arrived at the State House around 3:55 p.m. before proceeding to the President’s office. Other officers in attendance included Major General W. Shaibu, the new Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral I. Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke, Chief of Air Staff; and Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye, who retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Although details of the discussions were not disclosed, sources revealed that President Tinubu used the meeting to brief the Service Chiefs on his administration’s security priorities and to charge them to deliver results through improved coordination and professionalism.

“The President made it clear that national security remains his top priority and urged the new military leadership to intensify efforts in restoring peace and stability across the country,” a source familiar with the meeting said.

The names of the new Service Chiefs have been forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation. Once approved, they will be sworn in and decorated with their new ranks. Oluyede is expected to become a full General, while the other chiefs will assume the ranks of Lieutenant General, Vice Admiral, and Air Marshal respectively.

President Tinubu had announced the new appointments last Friday, replacing General Christopher Musa and other former service heads in what the Presidency described as a move to reinvigorate Nigeria’s security architecture.

Government officials said the new military leadership is expected to strengthen collaboration among the Armed Forces and intensify the fight against insurgency, kidnapping, and oil theft.

As the new Service Chiefs await Senate confirmation, expectations remain high that their fresh ideas and renewed energy will bring tangible improvements to the country’s security situation.