Presidency Unveils Profiles of Newly Appointed Service Chiefs
The Presidency has released the official curriculum vitae of the newly appointed Service Chiefs, highlighting their academic credentials, military experience, and distinguished service across the Nigerian Armed Forces. According to a statement from the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the profiles detail the backgrounds of the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Defence Intelligence. Chief of Defence Staff — Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun OluyedeBorn on June 21, 1968, in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Lt. Gen. Oluyede was commissioned into the Infantry Corps in 1992. A member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics. Throughout his career, he has commanded several formations, including the 27 Task Force Brigade and 6 Division, and served as Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He became the 29th Chief of Army Staff in 2024 before his elevation to Chief of Defence Staff. He has participated in national and international operations such as ECOMOG, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, and Operation HADIN KAI. His leadership is credited with modernising equipment, improving troop welfare, and restructuring army formations to meet evolving security challenges. Chief of Army Staff — Major General Waidi ShaibuBorn on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro, Kogi State, Maj. Gen. Shaibu is an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 41st Regular Course. He holds master’s degrees in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and in Security and Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Washington D.C. He has commanded various army formations, including the 21 Special Armoured Brigade and 7 Division, and served as Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI. His awards include the Distinguished Service Star, Field Command Medal, and Purple Heart Medal for Counter-Insurgency Operations. Chief of Naval Staff — Rear Admiral Idi AbbasRear Admiral Idi Abbas, born on September 20, 1969, hails from Kano State and was commissioned as a midshipman in 1992. A member of the 40th Regular Course, he has served as Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, leading key operations against oil theft and maritime piracy. He is widely respected for his professionalism and leadership in maritime security and defence policy. Chief of Air Staff — Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin AnekeBorn on February 20, 1972, in Makurdi, Benue State, AVM Aneke is from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1988 and was commissioned into the Air Force in 1993. He holds a B.Sc. in Physics, multiple master’s degrees—including in International Affairs and Diplomacy and Political Economy—and a PhD (in view). AVM Aneke has commanded several operational units, served in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, and logged over 4,300 flying hours. His medals include the Grand Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, and Field Command Medal. Chief of Defence Intelligence — Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker UndiandeyeBorn on September 2, 1968, in Obudu, Cross River State, Maj. Gen. Undiandeye is a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He holds a Master’s in Strategic Security Studies and has trained at top global institutions including Harvard Kennedy School and the National Defence University, Washington D.C. He has served in various UN missions, including in Liberia, New York, and Abyei, and became the 17th Chief of Defence Intelligence in June 2023. The Presidency emphasized that the newly appointed Service Chiefs bring decades of operational experience, strategic insight, and proven leadership to their new roles in strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
