By Segun Atanda
…Profiles of Tinubu’s New Service Chiefs Leading Nigeria’s Defence Renaissance
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly appointed Service Chiefs bring an exceptional blend of battlefield experience, strategic insight, and academic distinction to Nigeria’s defence architecture. The appointments mark a generational shift – a move designed to strengthen professionalism, inter-service synergy, and innovation within the Armed Forces under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
Born on June 21, 1968, in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Lt. Gen. Oluyede joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1987 as part of the 39th Regular Course and was commissioned in 1992 into the Infantry Corps.
A seasoned commander, he has held several strategic positions, including General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade, and Commander, Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai. He is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where he honed his skills in defence leadership and strategic planning.
Gen. Oluyede holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from the NDA and has distinguished himself in operations against insurgency and militancy. His command philosophy, “Consolidating the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards a Combat-Ready and Well-Motivated Force”, reflects his resolve to prioritize troop welfare, training, and modernisation.
Decorated with several honours, including the Grand Service Star (GSS), Corps Medal of Honour (CMH), and Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award (CCA), Oluyede has earned a reputation as a soldier’s soldier and a visionary leader.
Major General Waidi Shaibu, born December 18, 1971, in Kogi State, joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1989 as a member of the 41 Regular Course and was commissioned into the Armour Corps in 1994.
A brilliant scholar-soldier, Shaibu holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Strategic Studies (Ibadan), Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies (National Defence University, Washington D.C.), and is pursuing a PhD in Strategic Studies. He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
In his 30-year career, he has served across major theatres of conflict, from Operations Lafiya Dole and Hadin Kai in the Northeast to international peacekeeping in Liberia and Sudan.
Before his current appointment, he was Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (NE), Operation Hadin Kai, and Director of Armour Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre. Among his numerous decorations are the Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Purple Heart Medal, and Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH).
Known for his intellect, operational brilliance, and humility, Gen. Shaibu represents a new era of innovative leadership in the Nigerian Army.
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, born February 20, 1972, in Makurdi, Benue State, hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. A member of the NDA 40th Regular Combatant Course, he was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force in 1993.
Aneke is an accomplished pilot and administrator with over 4,300 flight hours on multiple aircraft, including Gulfstream, Falcon, and Dornier fleets. He holds degrees in Physics, International Affairs, and Political Economy and Development Studies, and is completing a PhD.
He is also an alumnus of the US Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, and has completed professional courses at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.
AVM Aneke’s operational record includes key roles in the UN Mission in Congo (MONUC) and Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta. Before his appointment, he was Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa, where he strengthened airlift and surveillance operations.
Decorated with honours such as Grand Service Star (GSS) and Field Command Medal (FCM), Aneke is described as calm, professional, and results-driven, a leader with the right mix of intellect and discipline to elevate the Air Force’s operational capacity.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, born September 20, 1969, hails from Kano State and was commissioned in 1992 as part of the 40th Regular Course of the NDA.
He previously served as Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he led major operations to curb oil theft and piracy in the Niger Delta.
A thoughtful and composed officer, Rear Admiral Abbas has contributed to strategic policy development for the Armed Forces and is widely respected for his disciplined approach to maritime security.
Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
Major General Parker Undiandeye, from Cross River State, continues as Chief of Defence Intelligence, a post he has held since June 2023.
A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (UK) and National Defence University, Washington D.C., he is a Harvard-trained International Counterterrorism Fellow with extensive experience in military intelligence and international peacekeeping.
He has served in key positions including Director of Psychological Warfare, Deputy Chief of Assessments, UN Headquarters (New York), and Deputy Chief Operations Officer, UN Mission in Liberia.
Maj. Gen. Undiandeye is a Fellow of multiple professional institutions, including the Chartered Institute of Administration and the International Institute of Professional Security. His leadership continues to drive intelligence coordination and defence diplomacy within Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
A New Era of Defence Leadership
President Tinubu’s new Service Chiefs — Generals Oluyede, Shaibu, Undiandeye, AVM Aneke, and Rear Admiral Abbas, embody a new generation of strategic military thinkers and battle-hardened commanders.
Their collective mission: to strengthen national defence, improve troop morale, modernise military operations, and advance Nigeria’s security interests at home and abroad.
As they assume command, the expectations are clear — to deliver on the promise of a renewed, professional, and people-focused Armed Forces ready to defend the nation and uphold peace across its borders.
