ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, October 20, 2025, decorated the newly confirmed service chiefs with their ranks in a ceremony held inside the council chambers of the State House, marking the formal transition of leadership in Nigeria’s armed forces.
The officers elevated were Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Idi Abass, Chief of Naval Staff; Kevin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff; and Emmanuel Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Tinubu carried out the honours alongside spouses of the officers, with senior government officials, political leaders, and heads of security agencies in attendance.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas led the dignitaries present.
Others included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Head of Service Didi Walson-Jack.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru, and Information Minister Mohammed Idris also witnessed the ceremony, along with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
Security chiefs present included Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and heads of the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and National Identity Management Commission.
The decoration ceremony followed Senate approval of Tinubu’s nominees, which lawmakers fast-tracked after the president requested swift confirmation to allow the new commanders to assume duty without delay.
Addressing the gathering, Tinubu said the appointments represent a renewed commitment to strengthening national security and modernising the country’s defence apparatus.
Though he did not give prepared remarks at length, the symbolism of the ceremony underscored his administration’s focus on military reforms amid heightened security concerns.
The event capped a transition process that began with the president’s announcement of new service chiefs last week.
The officers are expected to lead efforts to counter insurgency, banditry, and other national security threats while rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s armed forces.
The ceremony’s formal and high-profile nature signified what State House officials described as a “fresh drive toward consolidating command and positioning the military for effective national defence.”
