Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has decorated the newly appointed Service Chiefs with their new ranks, marking the beginning of a fresh phase in the country’s security command.

The brief ceremony took place by 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, attended by top government officials and military aides.

The President had announced sweeping changes in the security hierarchy last week, a move he described as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.

Under the new structure, General Olufemi Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff. Major-General Wahidi Shaibu takes over as Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke assumes duty as Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral Idi Abbas is now Chief of Naval Staff.

VIDEO:

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu decorates the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff with the rank of Lieutenant General. Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu was decorated by the President alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief Naval Staff, Vice… pic.twitter.com/WEX1KaJuCA

— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) October 30, 2025

Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence and is expected to be elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General.

Ranks Elevated, Duties Begin

Following Thursday’s decoration, Olufemi Oluyede now wears the full insignia of a General. Wahidi Shaibu has been promoted to Lieutenant General, Aneke to Air Marshal, and Idi Abbas to Admiral.

The Presidency confirmed that all promotions and appointments take immediate effect. The new Service Chiefs were screened and confirmed by the National Assembly on Wednesday before their formal decoration.

After their inauguration, the newly promoted officers are expected to resume immediately at their respective headquarters to confront Nigeria’s deepening security challenges — from insurgency in the North-East to banditry, oil theft, and rising tensions in parts of the Middle Belt.

Tinubu, his aides say, expects the new military leadership to “act decisively, coordinate effectively, and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s defence system.”

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