By Lagos Panorama
ABUJA — The Presidency has released the detailed curriculum vitae of Nigeria’s newly appointed Service Chiefs — a team of accomplished officers drawn from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Intelligence — following their confirmation by the Senate.
The appointments, which mark a renewed phase in Nigeria’s military leadership, are expected to bolster the country’s ongoing efforts in national security, defence modernization, and regional stability. Below are profiles of the new Service Chiefs as made available by the State House.
Chief of Army Staff – Major General Waidi Shaibu (N/9895)
Born on 18 December 1971 in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Major General Waidi Shaibu is an accomplished armoured corps officer and a member of the 41 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (1989). He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1994.
An engineer and strategist, General Shaibu holds multiple degrees including a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, an MSc in Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan), and a Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies (National Defence University, Washington D.C.). He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and is pursuing a PhD in Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan.
He has attended numerous military courses both at home and abroad and has commanded key formations, including 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama, and 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, as well as serving as Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI.
Decorated with several honours such as the Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH), and the Purple Heart Medal, General Shaibu is widely respected for his professionalism and commitment to national security. He is married and blessed with children.
Chief of Naval Staff – Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (NN/1739)
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, born 20 September 1969, hails from Kano State. Commissioned as a Midshipman in 1992, he has distinguished himself in maritime security and counter-piracy operations.
A seasoned naval officer, he served as Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, where he led major operations against oil theft and sea piracy. He is currently posted to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, contributing to policy and inter-agency coordination.
Adm. Abbas is known for his professionalism, composure, and dedication to service. He is married with children.
Chief of Air Staff – Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (NAF/2182)
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, born 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, hails from Udi LGA, Enugu State. A member of the 40 Regular Combatant Course, he was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force in 1993.
An accomplished pilot with over 4,300 flying hours, AVM Aneke holds multiple advanced degrees, including Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy (ABU, Zaria) and Masters in Political Economy and Development Studies (University of Abuja), alongside a PhD (in view).
He trained at the US Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, and has served as Commander, 307 Executive Airlift Group, Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, and Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa.
AVM Aneke has participated in several international operations including Operation Restore Hope (Niger Delta) and UN Missions in Congo (MONUC). He is married to Mrs. Ngozi Enderline Aneke and blessed with three sons.
Chief of Defence Intelligence – Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye (N/9563)
Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, born 2 September 1968 in Obudu, Cross River State, is a career intelligence officer with extensive operational and academic experience.
A graduate of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (UK) and the National Defence University, Washington D.C., he holds degrees in History and Strategic Security Studies and is an International Counterterrorism Fellow (ICTF).
He has held several strategic appointments, including Chief of Staff, Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, Director of Foreign Liaison, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre. He was most recently Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji.
Gen. Undiandeye is decorated with numerous national and international medals and is a Fellow of the National Defence College, Chartered Institute of Administration, and Nigerian Army Resource Centre. He is married with children.
Chief of Defence Staff – Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede (N/9318)
Lieutenant General Olufemi O. Oluyede, born 21 June 1968 in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, is the 29th Chief of Army Staff and currently serves as Chief of Defence Staff.
A member of the 39 Regular Course of the NDA, Gen. Oluyede holds a BA and MA in Economics, and is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. He has commanded key formations including 6 Division, 27 Task Force Brigade, and Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, and also served as Commandant, Amphibious Training School, Calabar.
Renowned for his “Soldiers First” leadership philosophy, Gen. Oluyede has championed major reforms in troop welfare, training, and modernisation of Army formations. His tenure has been marked by improved morale, enhanced operational capability, and renewed focus on inter-agency cooperation.
He holds numerous decorations, including the Grand Service Star (GSS), Field Command Medal (FCM), and Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award (CCA). He is married with children.
Summary
The new Service Chiefs bring to their offices decades of professional military experience, global exposure, and tested leadership. Their appointments signal the government’s commitment to strengthening national defence and sustaining operational success across all security fronts.
