We’ll Tackle All Security Challenges Head-On – Service Chiefs

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nominations of the new service chiefs forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for legislative approval.

During their screening, the newly appointed military chiefs pledged to work collaboratively to address all forms of security threats across the country and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

In a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested the Senate to confirm the nominees he appointed last Friday to replace the outgoing service chiefs.

Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede becomes the Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General Waidi Shuaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff; Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas assumes office as the Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

The service chiefs assured lawmakers of their commitment to strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing intelligence gathering, and boosting the morale of troops to effectively counter terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other national security challenges.

We need local arms production – Defence chief

Addressing lawmakers, the defence chief, Oluyede, called for the establishment of a local military-industrial complex to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on costly foreign arms imports.

“We can’t keep buying equipment from outside; it’s extremely expensive. Nigeria must develop its capacity to produce the tools needed to prosecute wars and tackle insecurity,” Oluyede said.

He described the role of a service chief as “challenging and all-consuming.”

Oluyede also advocated for the restructuring of the Police Force, noting that the military often performs duties that should ordinarily be handled by the police.

He further urged Nigerians to contribute actively to national security, warning about emerging threats such as cyber warfare and misinformation.

We’ll fight smartly, offensively – Air chief

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, pledged to fight “smartly, professionally, aggressively, and offensively” to defeat terrorism.

Responding to concerns about the whereabouts of the Super Tucano aircraft procured from the U.S. in 2021, Aneke confirmed that all aircraft were operational and deployed in the North-East and North-West.

“We have men and women risking their lives every night. These assets are giving value for money,” he said, adding that even a single missile costs tens of thousands of dollars.

“Every decision I make will be guided by the singular purpose of safeguarding our nation and preserving peace,” he said.

We’ll use modern technology to tackle maritime crime – Naval chief

The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Navy would deploy modern technology, including drones, to strengthen maritime surveillance and combat piracy, oil theft, and kidnapping.

“Some patrols waste resources due to terrain challenges. Drones will make our monitoring more effective,” he told lawmakers.

On the deradicalisation of repentant terrorists, he expressed support for the initiative but urged sensitivity toward victims’ families.

We’ll strengthen intelligence, manpower – Army chief

The Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waidi Shuaibu, said the Army would focus on improving intelligence gathering and personnel capacity to combat insecurity.

Senator Isa Jibrin (Kogi East) urged him to work closely with the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure better coordination in security operations.

Speaking after the closed-door session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Senate had thoroughly grilled the nominees before confirming them.

“They have answered all questions during the interactions. Let me also thank the President for the selection of the nominees who have now been approved and confirmed by this chamber.

“On the whole, we believe this will renew the hope of Nigerians regarding the restoration of security to our nation,” he added.(Daily trust)