By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

A public analyst based in Damaturu, Yobe State, Aminu Chikaji, has said Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, is firmly on top of the country’s prevailing security challenges.

In a statement, Chikaji noted that Nigeria’s security architecture entered a new phase on October 30, 2025, following the appointment of General Oluyede as the 19th Chief of Defence Staff, at a time the nation continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, communal violence and transnational crimes across several regions.

According to him, General Oluyede assumed office amid sustained military operations in the North-East against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as in the North-West and parts of the North-Central, where banditry and kidnapping remain persistent threats.

“Other challenges include the proliferation of small arms, porous borders and the operational strain on security forces resulting from prolonged internal deployments,” Chikaji said.

Born in Ikere, Ekiti State, General Oluyede joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned into the Infantry in 1992. He has over three decades of military service, with extensive operational experience across some of Nigeria’s most volatile theatres.

Chikaji recalled that the CDS previously served as Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade and Sector Commander in Yobe State during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, where he played key roles in coordinated actions against insurgent groups.

“He later served as Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna State, where he oversaw infantry training and doctrine development,” he added.

Before his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff, General Oluyede served as Chief of Army Staff, during which the Nigerian Army sustained operations against insurgent enclaves in the North-East and conducted joint operations targeting bandit groups and kidnapping syndicates in the North-West.

“Military authorities reported the disruption of several criminal enclaves and the dismantling of insurgent camps during this period,” Chikaji said.

He further noted that as Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede approved measures to improve troop welfare, including adjustments to ration allowances, enhanced medical support, improved accommodation and better rotation of troops in frontline areas.

In his current role as Chief of Defence Staff, General Oluyede coordinates operations across the Army, Navy and Air Force, with emphasis on unified command and strengthened inter-service cooperation.

He works closely with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waheed Shaibu, who oversees ground operations nationwide.

According to Chikaji, the Defence Headquarters has prioritised intelligence coordination, joint operations and collaboration with other security agencies, while stressing the importance of synergy with the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in internal security engagements.

“Nigeria’s security situation remains complex, with troops deployed across multiple states affected by insurgency, banditry and communal violence,” he said.

Chikaji concluded that General Oluyede’s appointment comes at a critical time as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to stabilise the country’s security environment, sustain pressure on armed groups and adapt to evolving threats.