Tinubu Decorates Newly Appointed Service Chiefs With New Ranks

Tinubu Decorates Newly Appointed Service Chiefs With New Ranks: A New Chapter in Nigeria’s Military Leadership

On October 30, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over a significant ceremony in Abuja, officially decorating Nigeria’s newly appointed Service Chiefs with their respective ranks.

This event marked the formal transition of leadership within the Armed Forces, following a sweeping reorganization of the nation’s military hierarchy announced just days earlier. 

The ceremony was not only symbolic but also a strategic move aimed at reinvigorating Nigeria’s security architecture amid persistent challenges.

At the heart of the ceremony was General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, who was decorated as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). His appointment places him at the helm of Nigeria’s military coordination and strategic oversight. Alongside him, Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye Undiendeye was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General and confirmed as the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), a role critical to intelligence gathering and operational planning.

The reshuffle also saw Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu assume the position of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Air Marshal Kevin Aneke take charge as Chief of Air Staff (CAS), and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas become the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).

These appointments represent a comprehensive overhaul of the military’s top brass, reflecting President Tinubu’s intent to inject fresh energy and direction into Nigeria’s defense strategy.

The ceremony followed the National Assembly’s unanimous confirmation of the new Service Chiefs, underscoring legislative support for the president’s choices.

Earlier in the week, each of the newly appointed leaders had taken over command of their respective services in separate handover ceremonies held in Abuja.

These transitions were marked by pledges to intensify efforts against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats that have plagued various regions of the country.

In a public statement shared via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, President Tinubu congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the values of professionalism, vigilance, and unity. He emphasized the importance of their roles in safeguarding national integrity and called on them to serve with honor and dedication.

The appointments and decorations come at a time when Nigeria faces complex security challenges, ranging from insurgency in the northeast to rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in other parts of the country.

By installing new leadership, the Tinubu administration signals a renewed commitment to tackling these issues head-on, with hopes that the fresh perspectives and strategies of the new Service Chiefs will yield tangible improvements in national security.

This reshuffle is widely interpreted as part of President Tinubu’s broader agenda to reform and strengthen Nigeria’s defense institutions. It also reflects his administration’s responsiveness to public concerns about the effectiveness of military operations and the need for adaptive leadership in a rapidly evolving security landscape.

As the newly decorated Service Chiefs settle into their roles, the nation watches with cautious optimism, hopeful that this new chapter will bring enhanced coordination, strategic innovation, and a more secure future for all Nigerians.