The newly appointed Service Chiefs on Wednesday pledged to overhaul the nation’s security architecture through strategic foreign partnerships, local arms production, inter-agency collaboration, and improved personnel welfare.
They made the peldge on Wednesday during their screening exercise by the Senate and House of Representatives. The screening, which held simultaneously at both chambers of the National Assembly, was marked by rigorous questioning, closed-door sessions, and commitments by the officers to reposition the armed forces for modern warfare and sustained internal security.
Appearing before members of the Senate and House Committees on Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said his years of exposure to national security issues had prepared him for the complex task of defending Nigeria.My exposure to national security issues and the responsibilities of senior military leadership has prepared me for this assignment,” Oluyede said.“I will work to bring positive change to our military economy and optimise our operational design and tactics.
This is a period for unity, strong bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and fairness across all services.”The Defence Chief also called for the establishment of a local military-industrial complex to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign arms procurement.We can’t keep buying equipment from outside; it’s extremely expensive. Nigeria must develop its capacity to produce the tools needed to prosecute wars and tackle insecurity,” he said, adding that he would prioritise the welfare of personnel and their families while strengthening collaboration with the legislature to secure adequate funding.
Oluyede, who emphasized the need for intelligence-led operations and restructuring of the police to handle internal duties, also warned against new threats such as cyber warfare and misinformation.
He told lawmakers: “This role is challenging and all-consuming. We will focus on local solutions while strengthening international partnerships to eliminate insurgency and restore peace nationwide.
