BREAKING: Senate Swiftly Confirms General Olufemi Oluyede As Chief Of Defence Staff Amid Tight Security

In a decisive move reflecting Nigeria’s renewed push to strengthen its military leadership, the Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

The confirmation, which came barely an hour after his arrival at the National Assembly Complex yesterday been Wednesday 29th October 2025, followed a brief but intense screening session conducted under tight security. The general’s convoy arrived at about 10 a.m., flanked by senior military officers and aides, as security operatives cordoned off key entry points around the National Assembly.

The atmosphere inside the Senate chamber was charged with anticipation as the upper legislative house assessed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest appointees — part of a wider shake-up of the nation’s defence architecture aimed at improving coordination and tackling insecurity.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while congratulating the new Defence Chief, urged him to bring his trademark discipline, courage, and strategic focus to bear in uniting the armed forces and reclaiming peace across the country.

> “There is something special about being a soldier; to be a soldier, there is an element of madness. When there is danger, a right-thinking person retreats — but a soldier advances to face it,” General Oluyede once remarked.

That statement now resonates deeply as he assumes one of the most demanding roles in Nigeria’s security structure.

A Seasoned Soldier With Decades of Service

General Oluyede, a highly decorated officer, brings over three decades of military experience spanning operational, command, and strategic duties. He has held key leadership positions, including General Officer Commanding (GOC) of a major division and Director of Military Operations at the Defence Headquarters.

Throughout his career, Oluyede has earned a reputation for fearless leadership, tactical brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to duty. His tenure in the Northeast, where he led several counter-insurgency operations, earned him the respect of troops and civilians alike.

A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Oluyede also trained at elite international military institutions, including courses in strategic studies and defence management in the United Kingdom and the United States.

National Expectations High

His confirmation comes at a time when Nigeria is battling multiple security challenges — from insurgency in the North East and banditry in the North West to secessionist tensions and rising militancy in other parts of the country.

Analysts believe General Oluyede’s appointment signals a shift towards a results-driven, intelligence-led military strategy that prioritizes coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

> “The President and the Senate have placed immense confidence in General Oluyede’s ability to deliver,” a top security source told reporters. “His record speaks for itself — he is firm, tactical, and not afraid to make tough calls.”

With his confirmation now official, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the new Chief of Defence Staff can meet the growing expectations to restore calm, unity, and renewed morale across the nation’s armed forces.