Reps confirms Oluyede as new Chief of Army Staff

The House of Representatives on Thursday confirmed Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff following his screening by the Joint Committees on Defence and Army.

The confirmation was finalized after Babajimi Benson, chairman of the House Committee on Defence, presented the committee’s report during plenary, with Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu presiding.

During his screening, Oluyede outlined his vision for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders.

He stressed the need for robust bilateral and multilateral alliances with neighboring countries and deeper coordination between military services and other security agencies.

Highlighting a critical operational need, Oluyede called for tactical aircraft to support the Nigerian Army’s field operations effectively.

He explained that while the Air Force provides strategic air cover, the Army requires tactical-level air support for efficient ground operations.

Chairman Babajimi Benson praised the Armed Forces for their pivotal role in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges over the past decade.

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He assured that the House would continue to back the military with appropriate legal frameworks, advocate for sufficient funding, and oversee the implementation of military budgets to ensure accountability and transparency in operations.

Oluyede’s confirmation comes as Nigeria faces diverse security threats, ranging from insurgency to banditry and inter-communal clashes. His emphasis on fostering joint efforts among security agencies aligns with broader calls for a unified approach to addressing these challenges.

With his confirmation, Oluyede is expected to lead the Nigerian Army toward achieving greater operational efficiency and reinforcing the country’s internal and regional security frameworks.