UPDATED: Senate confirms service chiefs

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of new service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu.

The new service chiefs confirmed are Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen Waheedi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff, AVM Kennedy Aneke, and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.

President Tinubu had, in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary on October 27, sought the expeditious consideration and confirmation of appointment of the service chiefs by the Senate.

Tinubu said their nomination was part of a strategic realignment aimed at deepening professionalism, boosting morale, and enhancing inter-agency coordination in national security operations.

In his presentation during the screening, the Chief of Naval Staff said the Nigerian Navy would deploy modern technology, including drone surveillance, to enhance maritime security and curb criminal activities along the nation’s waterways.

Abbas explained that while the Navy already has existing operational structures to combat maritime crime, the introduction of advanced technology would help reduce costs and improve efficiency.

He said: “We already have structures in place to curb maritime crimes, but I intend to incorporate more technology, especially drones.

“Some of our patrols do not yield expected results because of the nature of the terrain, and resources are often wasted on fuel. Using drones will allow us to monitor these areas more effectively.”

He also addressed concerns about insecurity along the inland waterways, noting that a Special Operations Command has already been established in Makurdi, Benue, to strengthen patrols and response operations between Benue and Lokoja.

On the proposed creation of a Coast Guard, Abbas said there was no need for such a body since the Nigerian Navy already performs coast guard duties.

“Creating another agency would only duplicate functions.

“Instead, funds meant for establishing a new Coast Guard should be redirected to strengthen the Navy’s operational platforms and logistics.”

READ ALSO: Senate confirms General Oluyede as CDS, begins screening of other service chiefs

He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to its Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, which, he said, addresses major threats such as piracy, oil theft, kidnapping, and banditry.

Also, the Chief of Defence Staff described his tenure as Chief of Army Staff as one of the most challenging yet rewarding periods of his military career.

“My tenure was quite challenging. Though we made significant progress in securing the country, there is still room for improvement.

Security is not a task for the military alone — it requires the cooperation of every Nigerian,” he stated.

The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, urged the nominees to be loyal to the President and the country’s constitution.

In his remarks, Akpabio said the screening and confirmation exercise was a constitutional responsibility designed to ensure that only the most competent and patriotic officers were entrusted with the nation’s security.

“The screening is part of our constitutional duty. It is aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation,” the Senate President explained.

The post UPDATED: Senate confirms service chiefs appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.