The profiles, released by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, detail the rich backgrounds of the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Chief of Defence Staff — Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede
Born on June 21, 1968, in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Lt. Gen. Oluyede was commissioned into the Infantry Corps in 1992. A member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics.
Throughout his career, he has commanded several formations, including the 27 Task Force Brigade and 6 Division, and served as Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He became the 29th Chief of Army Staff in 2024 before his elevation as Chief of Defence Staff.
Chief of Army Staff — Major General Waidi Shaibu
Born on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro, Kogi State, Maj. Gen. Shaibu is an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy (41st Regular Course).
He holds multiple degrees, including a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and another in Security and Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Washington D.C.
Chief of Naval Staff — Rear Admiral Idi Abbas
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, born on September 20, 1969, hails from Kano State and was commissioned as a midshipman in 1992.
A member of the 40th Regular Course, he has served as Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, where he led efforts against oil theft and maritime piracy.
He is widely respected for his professionalism, integrity, and leadership, and currently brings his strategic experience to national defence policy formulation.
