From Victor Osula, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, met with the newly nominated Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in what marked their first official audience with the Commander-in-Chief since their appointments.
The meeting, held behind closed doors, underscored the administration’s renewed focus on strengthening national security architecture and fostering greater synergy among the armed forces.
Present at the meeting were the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye.
The Service Chiefs, who were recently nominated by the President pending confirmation by the National Assembly, are expected to bring fresh energy and strategic vision to the fight against insecurity across the country.
Addressing the officers, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to ensure the safety and stability of Nigeria, stressing that security remains the cornerstone of his development agenda.
He charged the new military leaders to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and loyalty to the constitution, while collaborating closely with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence.
Tinubu also emphasised the need for intelligence-led operations, improved welfare for personnel, and enhanced inter-agency cooperation, noting that victory over insecurity requires both courage and innovation.
Sources at the Villa said the President received briefings from each of the Service Chiefs on current security operations, as well as their strategic plans to address emerging threats such as terrorism, banditry, and maritime crimes.
The new Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyede, reportedly assured the President of the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and promoting peace across all regions.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened expectations from Nigerians, who hope the new military leadership will consolidate recent gains in counter-insurgency and restore lasting peace to troubled areas.
The Service Chiefs later posed for official photographs with the President at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa before departing to resume their respective duties.
