Tinubu seeks Senate confirmation for new service chiefs amid security overhaul

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Nigerian Senate’s confirmation of newly appointed service chiefs, a move aimed at reshaping the nation’s military command structure in response to persistent security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across several regions.

The request, transmitted to the Senate on October 28, 2025, comes just four days after the President’s official appointment of the new military heads, signaling his intent to strengthen leadership cohesion and accelerate strategic reforms within Nigeria’s armed forces.

Among the nominees are General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, and newly appointed equivalents for the Navy and Air Force, all of whom are expected to receive promotion to four-star ranks upon confirmation. The move is part of a broader defense modernization plan designed to boost morale, improve inter-agency coordination, and intensify counterterrorism operations nationwide.

An accompanying post on social media showed the uniformed appointees in a group photo beside the Senate chamber interior, symbolizing the handover of military authority to a fresh command generation. Early online reactions were largely positive, with several users congratulating the nominees and expressing cautious optimism about renewed security progress under Tinubu’s leadership.

This development marks another step in the administration’s effort to restore stability and public confidence, as Nigerians continue to demand stronger action against rising insecurity and violence that have plagued rural communities and major highways.