NEWLY appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has cautioned that Nigeria’s security challenges will continue unless the country greatly improves the way information is handled across all sectors.
News Point Nigeria reports that Gen. Oluyede stated this on Wednesday during his screening session before the Senate at the National Assembly, where he reflected on his earlier tenure as Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), describing the role as one of the most demanding responsibilities in national security management.
He acknowledged progress made in the fight against terrorism, banditry, oil theft and other threats, but insisted that the struggle is far from over.
“My tenure has been quite challenging, and while things have improved tremendously, we can do better,” he told lawmakers.
“It requires a whole-of-society approach. It’s important for all hands to be on deck to make Nigeria safer.”
According to the senior military officer, round-the-clock dedication, strategic foresight and innovations were vital to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“It required cognate experience, sleepless nights and total commitment to the safety of our nation,” he said.
“We all know resources are limited, but Nigeria must build its own capacity to confront emerging threats from terrorism to cybercrime. If we fail to manage information effectively, our challenges will persist.”
The CDS emphasized that strengthening homegrown defence technology, local intelligence capacity and effective communication systems are critical to staying ahead of hostile actors who now deploy sophisticated information warfare and cyber sabotage.
Following his presentation, the Senate expressed satisfaction with his submissions and allowed him to “take a bow and go,” signaling approval of his appointment pending formal confirmation.
Lieutenant General Oluyede is among the newly announced military chiefs approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week. Others include:
Major General W. Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
Rear Admiral I. Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye was retained as the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Born in 1968, the new CDS previously served as Nigeria’s 24th Chief of Army Staff, where he led major operations against insurgents and armed criminal networks across the country.