Change Of Guards At Defence House As Musa Hands Over To Oluyede
October 30, 2025
Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday, assumed duty as the 19th Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), following the confirmation of his appointment by the National Assembly, along with other service chiefs.
Speaking at the brief handing and taking over ceremony at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed his total commitment to the defence and security of the nation from insurgent activities.
Gen. Oluyede acknowledged the nature of threats confronting the nation, ranging from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to emerging cyber, aerial, and maritime security challenges, which require the military to be ever vigilant, innovative, and united.
“My leadership will therefore be guided by the principles of professionalism, jointness, discipline, innovation, and accountability.
“We shall build on the achievements of my predecessor by strengthening synergy among the services and defence agencies.
“We shall also enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies. Our objective, which is to restore and sustain peace, stability, and national cohesion in every part of our dear country, remains uncontestable.”
Gen. Oluyede, while promising to sustain the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality in the country, expressed optimism that whatever challenges the nation is currently facing, success will be achieved.
“We will prevail as a nation. It is a battle that must be fought on multiple fronts, and crucial among them is the battle space of public trust, information, and national morale.”
The CDS added that, apart from welfare for officers and men, he would prioritise capacity building, research, and technological innovation to enhance operational efficiency and strategic foresight.
“In doing so, we shall leverage the resources and intellect available across our defence institutions, as well as partnerships with local and international stakeholders. To our gallant soldiers, ratings, airmen, and airwomen, you remain the pride and backbone of our armed forces.”
Earlier, the outgoing CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, said his tenure was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
According to him, “We faced a complex and dynamic security landscape, but we confronted it with unwavering resolve, guided by our constitutional mandate and a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“We pursued a philosophy of jointness, people-centricity, inter-agency cooperation, and kinetic synergy.
“Under my watch, we worked tirelessly to deepen the integration of our Army, Navy, and Air Force. The establishment of Joint Task Forces across our theatres of operation stands as a testament to our commitment to a unified approach,” Musa said.
Gen. Musa lauded the role played by the media during his tenure, describing it as an invaluable ally of the military and a vital bridge between the front lines and the public—standing tall for the realities on the ground against the propaganda of the enemies, and carrying the stories of the troops’ courage, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of immense adversity.
The pulling out parade is a ceremony in which a retiring senior officer is "pulled out" from the barracks. It features an inspection of the guard of honour, speeches and the ceremonial "pulling out".
During the pulling out the officer and his or her spouse ride in the back of a review vehicle (usually an open top Land Rover). There are two ropes that are attached to the front of the Land Rover and senior officers, including the retiring officer's successor, "pull" the rope and slow march out of the barracks (in actual fact the Land Rover is being driven slowly).
The Navy also has a sailing out parade, in which the retiring senior officer boards a naval boat or ship and sails away after being pulled out.
The Air Force also has its flying ouy parade, in which the retiring officer boards a plane or helicopter and is flown out after being pulled out.
Immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), on Friday said he was leaving office “with a clear conscience,” having given his best to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the fight against insecurity.
Speaking at his pull-out parade in Abuja, Musa said he served the country with dedication and accountability throughout his nearly four decades in the military.
“As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave my all. I leave with cherished memories of camaraderie — of battles fought and triumphs celebrated as one family. The sound of the bugle may change for me, but the soldier’s heart beats on forever,” he said.
Musa expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing him Chief of Defence Staff, describing the opportunity as an honour he did not take for granted.
He pledged to remain loyal to Tinubu and the country even in retirement.
“I might be retiring from active military service today, but I’m by no means retiring from my love for our dear country, Nigeria. I remain a soldier at heart and a patriot ever loyal to the constitution and sovereignty of our great nation. Once again, I appreciate Mr President for the opportunity to serve as the Chief of Defence Staff for two years plus,” he said.
The retired defence chief stressed that the fight against insecurity requires stronger collaboration among security and intelligence agencies, noting that the military cannot achieve success alone.
He also appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for troops on the frontline, saying the successes recorded so far were achieved through collective effort.
“I want to state this clearly, that there is no single institution, no single organisation that can win this war alone. We must synergise, we must collaborate, we must fight together, and I appeal to all Nigerians to pray for our troops, to pray for our security forces so that we can win — and together we shall succeed. Nigeria shall continue to develop,” he said.
Musa congratulated his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs, urging officers and personnel to extend to them the same loyalty and professionalism.
He also thanked his family, describing them as “unsung heroes” who endured his long absences and deployments. He expressed gratitude to the media and other security agencies for supporting the military throughout his tenure.
General Musa was appointed Chief of Defence Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu as part of a major shake-up in the nation’s security leadership.
His exit comes as General Oluyede formally assumed office as Chief of Defence Staff on Thursday.
THE END OF AN ERA THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER REAR ADMIRAL IDI ABBAS TAKES OVER AS THE 23RD INDIGENOUS CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF
Earlier today, Thursday 30 October 2025, the Nigerian Navy (NN) witnessed the end of an era and the beginning of another with the handover of the reins of command by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal) to the recently appointed Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abbass (Admiralty Medal).
The colourful and epoch making ceremony had 4 significant highlights:
Signing of Handover and Takeover Notes. Decoration of the CNS with the Admiralty Medal. Handover of the Ceremonial Binoculars. Handover of the Nigerian Navy Ensign. Ceremonial Lowering and Hoisting of the Admiral's Flag.
In his remarks, the former CNS, who served as the 22nd indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, gave gratitude to Almighty GOD for all the growth and successes of his naval career which took him to the zenith as CNS.
He went to highlight his achievements as CNS in the 29months he was in office.
These achievements include:
Sustaining Nigeria's Zero-Piracy Status.
Initiating and Launching OPERATION DELTA SANITY to combat crude oil theft thereby reducing the menace considerably and contributing significantly to improving Nigeria's crude oil production output to about 1.8million barrels per day.
Establishment of NN Special Operations Command.
Establishment of NN Marines.
Initiating and funding the Chief of Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects nationwide.
Numerous infrastructural projects.
Prioritising and Improving welfare of all personnel.
The former CNS concluded by thanking the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for finding him worthy to serve as CNS. Finally, he enjoined all NN personnel to extend the same level of cooperation he enjoyed to his successor, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas who was accompanied by his amiable wife, the new National President of Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), Mrs Aisha Abbas, delivered a maiden address in which he expressed gratitude to GOD ALMIGHTY and the C-in-C for his appointment as the 23rd indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff. He went on to acknowledge the efforts of his predecessors especially Vice Admiral Ogalla and declared that his tenure as CNS will be guided by clear and actionable strategic approaches to strengthen Nigeria's maritime security and further reduce illegalities. He emphasised that his priorities would be personnel training and welfare. The CNS concluded by demanding the highest standard of discipline from all NN personnel.
After the hand over, there was a ceremonial lowering and hoisting of the Admiralty Flag at Naval Headquarters signalling the end of an era and the beginning of another.
President Tinubu to service chiefs: We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer
SPEECH BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR AT THE DECORATION OF THE NEWLY APPOINTED SERVICE CHIEFS DELIVERED AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA, ON OCTOBER 30, 2025
PROTOCOL
Distinguished Service chiefs,
1. I congratulate you on your appointment and subsequent confirmation by the Senate. As your Commander-in-Chief, I am entrusting you with a tremendous responsibility—one that you must approach with the highest standards of commitment and dedication.
2. Today's ceremony is beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians. Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task.
Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless. There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance.
3. The government's foremost duty is to protect the citizens. Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation's territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the ultimate price for their service. In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, our gallant armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories.
4. We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.
5. I thank our armed forces for their patriotism, diligence, and dedication to their duty. As your Commander-in-Chief, I sincerely appreciate your sacrifices, as I have repeatedly acknowledged.
6. However, challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.
7. I charge you, as the heads of our nation's armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses.
8. I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let's stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer.
9. I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done.
10. Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to keep our armed forces safe.
Photo 1) President Tinubu shakes hands with the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lieutenant General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye (39 Regular Course. Also attended Sandhurst).
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO SERVICE CHIEFS: NO MORE EXCUSES, IT'S TIME TO DEFEAT TERRORISTS AND BANDITS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed service chiefs to intensify efforts to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country, emphasising that Nigerians expect results, not excuses.
President Tinubu delivered this charge on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, following the decoration of the service chiefs with their new ranks.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal.
“Nigerians expect results, not excuses. I also urge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary,” the President said.
The ceremony at the Council Chambers was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola.
Also present were the Governors of Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Ogun, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of the Civil Service, Esther Didi Walson-Jack; Chairmen of Defence Committees in the National Assembly, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Babajimi Benson; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu..
President Tinubu tasked the new military chiefs to dismantle the activities of emerging armed groups that have regrouped in some parts of the country:
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South.
“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head.”
He assured the armed forces of the Federal Government’s readiness to support their efforts, reiterating that the safety and security of Nigerians remain paramount for national development.
The President commended the courage and commitment of the military and their families for their sacrifices to the nation.
“Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the supreme price for their service. Their sacrifices will not be in vain.
“We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of terror groups.
“There were times when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land; this is no longer the case,” President Tinubu said.
He urged the service chiefs to ensure synergy and provide exemplary leadership in all their operations.
“I advise you to work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange information effectively, and follow up proactively to ensure a seamless process. Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done.”
Responding on behalf of the service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the President for finding them worthy of the appointments.
General Oluyede urged Nigerians to support the military in the campaign to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and rid the country of terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.
He also assured the President of their determination to keep the country safe.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. I want to encourage Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us, and ultimately, we will make Nigeria a safer place. That’s our promise to you,” he said
The Service Chiefs who were promoted and decorated with their new ranks include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke..
The Service Chiefs were accompanied to the event by their spouses. The military chiefs drew applause from the audience when, after saluting the President, their Commander-in-Chief, they turned and saluted their wives.
Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) October 30, 2025
tomakint: That's not the point now Naptu, what we are saying is, after the attendance of Tinubu on his last visit to the UN, how come he is yet to pay any visit to the US till now.
Politics › Re: Chairman House Committee On Youth Development... by naptu2: 6:42pm On Oct 31, 2025
