By NAOMI SHARANG

The Senate on Wednesday screened and confirmed the appointment of new Service Chiefs, nominated by President Bola Tinubu.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new service chiefs confirmed are Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen Waheedi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff, AVM Kennedy Aneke and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.

President Tinubu had in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate and read at plenary on Oct. 27 sought the expeditious consideration and confirmation of appointment of the service chiefs by the Senate.

Tinubu had said their nomination was part of a strategic realignment aimed at deepening professionalism, boosting morale, and enhancing inter-agency coordination in national security operations.

In his presentation during the screening, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Nigerian Navy would deploy modern technology, including drone surveillance, to enhance maritime security and curb criminal activities along the nation’s waterways.

Abbas explained that while the Navy already has existing operational structures to combat maritime crime, the introduction of advanced technology would help reduce costs and improve efficiency.

“We already have structures in place to curb maritime crimes, but I intend to incorporate more technology, especially drones.

“Some of our patrols do not yield expected results because of the nature of the terrain, and resources are often wasted on fuel. Using drones will allow us to monitor these areas more effectively.”

He also addressed concerns about insecurity along the inland waterways, noting that a Special Operations Command has already been established in Makurdi, Benue, to strengthen patrols and response operations between Benue and Lokoja.

On the proposed creation of a Coast Guard, Abbas said there was no need for such a body since the Nigerian Navy already performs coast guard duties.

“Creating another agency would only duplicate functions.

“Instead, funds meant for establishing a new Coast Guard should be redirected to strengthen the Navy’s operational platforms and logistics.”

Abbas also said the Navy had made progress in blocking the use of large tankers offshore, which were previously used to ferry stolen crude oil.

“Most of the illegal activities occur in hard-to-reach areas, but with the use of drone technology, we can monitor and stop them more effectively,” he said.

On the issue of deradicalisation of repentant criminals, Abbas supported the initiative but cautioned that it should be handled with sensitivity and consideration for victims’ families.

“Deradicalising repentant criminals is a good idea, but we must also think of the moral burden. Families who lost loved ones to these criminals should be consulted before amnesty is granted,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to its Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, which, he said, addresses major threats such as piracy, oil theft, kidnapping, and banditry.

“The challenges we face cannot be solved by the military alone. It requires a whole-of-society approach,” Abbas said.

Also, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, described his tenure as Chief of Army Staff as one of the most challenging yet rewarding periods of his military career.

“My tenure was quite challenging. Though we made significant progress in securing the country, there is still room for improvement.

Security is not a task for the military alone — it requires the cooperation of every Nigerian.”

He explained that his former role demanded total commitment and long hours of planning to address complex security threats confronting the nation.

“It took a great deal of experience, sleepless nights, and unwavering focus to safeguard our nation.

“While resources remain limited, Nigeria must invest in developing its own capacity to counter emerging challenges, from terrorism to cybercrime,” Oluyede said.

The military chief also emphasised the need for effective information management and the development of indigenous defence technologies, warning that unchecked misinformation could worsen the country’s security situation.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau urged the nominees to be loyal to the President and the Constitution of Nigeria.

“We urge all the nominees to be loyal to the Commander-in-Chief, and loyal to our Constitution.

“We are sure with you and the zeal of Mr. President to bring total security to this country will be accomplished, and we have no doubt you will do that.”

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the screening and confirmation exercise was a constitutional responsibility designed to ensure that only the most competent and patriotic officers were entrusted with the nation’s security.

“The screening is part of our constitutional duty, It is aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation”

He said part of the oversight responsibility of the Senate was to guarantee discipline, professionalism, and accountability within the armed forces.

“He added that the National Assembly expects a constructive engagement that would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture,” he said. (NAN)