Senate Begins Screening Of Newly Appointed Service Chiefs In Abuja

Senate Begins Screening Of Newly Appointed Service Chiefs In Abuja
Tinubu urged quick confirmation to ensure security leadership continuity.
General Oluyede replaces Musa as Chief of Defence Staff.

The newly appointed Service Chiefs arrived at the National Assembly complex on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, for screening by the Senate. The new military leaders arrived at about 10 a.m., accompanied by senior officers from their respective services.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Senate had earlier fixed the screening for next week but later rescheduled it to Wednesday to fast-track the confirmation process. This adjustment followed a letter from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.

In his correspondence, President Tinubu urged lawmakers to grant expeditious approval to the nominees to ensure continuity and effective coordination in national security management. Akpabio explained that the shift in the screening date was necessary to enable the new military leadership to assume duty without delay.

On October 24, President Tinubu announced major changes in the hierarchy of the Armed Forces, replacing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, with General Olufemi Oluyede.

New Service Chiefs Announced by President Tinubu:

General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
Major-General W. Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
Rear Admiral I. Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye, retained his position.

The appointments, which took immediate effect, were announced in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.

General Oluyede, the new Chief of Defence Staff, was appointed Chief of Army Staff in 2024 following the death of General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. He now replaces General Musa, who served alongside Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Air Marshal Bala Abubakar since June 2023.

The outgoing service chiefs led key military operations against insurgent groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits in the North-East and North-West regions. Despite some operational gains, persistent attacks by gunmen and renewed insecurity across several states fueled calls for a change in leadership and fresh strategic direction in the armed forces.