The newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged unwavering commitment to professionalism, jointness, innovation, and accountability in steering the Nigerian Armed Forces towards enhanced national security, unity, and stability.
Zig Diaries | Defence & Security
Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025
Time: 16:45 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
In his inaugural address during the handing and taking over ceremony, General Oluyede expressed gratitude to his predecessor, General Christopher Musa, for his selfless leadership and significant contributions to Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
He commended the outgoing CDS for leading the Armed Forces through critical phases of the nation’s security challenges, noting that his tenure brought improvements in joint operations, intelligence collaboration, and personnel welfare.
General Oluyede reaffirmed his total commitment to defending the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noting that the country faces complex and evolving threats including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and emerging cyber, aerial, and maritime challenges.
He emphasised that his leadership philosophy would be anchored on professionalism, jointness, discipline, innovation, and accountability. He assured that efforts would be intensified to strengthen synergy among the services and defence agencies for more effective operations.
According to him, the Defence Headquarters under his command will enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies to restore and sustain peace, stability, and national cohesion across the country.
While stressing the importance of personnel welfare to operational effectiveness, the CDS promised to continue advocating improved welfare, housing, medical support, and training opportunities for officers, men, and their families, alongside attention to their moral and psychological needs.
General Oluyede also pledged to prioritise capacity building, research, and technological innovation to strengthen operational efficiency and foresight, adding that his administration would leverage partnerships with local and international stakeholders to achieve these goals.
He expressed deep appreciation to soldiers, airmen, and airwomen for their loyalty and sacrifices, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and patriotism.
The CDS further acknowledged the contributions of retired officers and veterans, calling on Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces in the collective effort to safeguard peace and unity.
Earlier, the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed profound gratitude to the Armed Forces and the nation as he bowed out after 39 years of meritorious service. He urged officers to remain united, disciplined, and committed under the new leadership.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, General Musa described his career as a journey of service, sacrifice, and fulfilment. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him and the opportunity to lead the military during a defining period in Nigeria’s history.
Reflecting on his tenure, the retired CDS said his leadership was guided by a philosophy of jointness, people-centricity, inter-agency cooperation, and kinetic synergy, which strengthened unity among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
He highlighted key achievements under his command, including improved intelligence sharing, enhanced operational effectiveness, and progress in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities.
General Musa commended the men and women of the Armed Forces for their courage and resilience in protecting the nation’s territorial integrity. He also stressed that welfare remained central to operational performance, describing a motivated force as the backbone of national defence.
He expressed appreciation to former service chiefs, defence partners, and stakeholders for their cooperation during his tenure, while paying tribute to fallen heroes and wounded personnel whose sacrifices he described as symbols of courage, honour, and national pride.
As he took his final bow from active service, General Musa urged officers to give full loyalty and cooperation to his successor, reaffirming his enduring commitment to Nigeria’s peace and unity.
“I may be retiring from service but my love for this country and my prayers for our Armed Forces will never end. The journey continues, the mission endures, and the duty never ends,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Soya Olatunde, described the ceremony as a historic and emotional moment marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over three decades.
He lauded General Musa for his remarkable contributions to national security, describing his legacy as one defined by sacrifice, courage, and purposeful leadership.
Air Vice Marshal Olatunde congratulated the outgoing CDS and praised his impact as “seen by the blind, felt by the numb, spoken by the dumb, and heard by the deaf.”
🏷️ Tags: Defence Headquarters, Olufemi Oluyede, Christopher Musa, Nigerian Armed Forces, Military Leadership, Security
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