- CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF
Major General Waidi Shaibu was born on 18 December 1971 in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. He gained admission into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 41 Regular Course in 1989. He was commissioned on 17 September 1994 as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
Academic Qualifications
The senior officer holds the following academic qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna (1993)
- Post Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration
- Master’s Degree in Public Administration, University of Calabar
- Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan
- Master’s Degree in Security and Strategic Studies, National Defence University, Washington, D.C., USA
- Alumnus, Harvard Kennedy School of Government Programme in Leadership for the 21st Century: Chaos, Conflict, and Courage
- Advanced Executive Certificate in Applied Leadership and Strategy, National Productivity Senior Executive Programme
- Ph.D. in Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan (In view)
Military Courses
The General has attended several military courses both in Nigeria and abroad, including:
- Young Officer Course (Armour), Nigerian Army Armour School, Bauchi (1995)
- Young Officer Course (Infantry), Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji (1996)
- Company Amphibious Operation Course, Amphibious Training School, Calabar (1997)
- Platoon Commanders Course (Armour), Nigerian Army Armour School, Bauchi (1998)
- Communication Instructors Course (Armour), Nigerian Army Armour School, Bauchi (1998)
- Junior Staff Course, Ghana (2001)
- Company Commander’s Course (Armour), Nigerian Army Armour School, Bauchi (2003)
- Senior Staff Course, Jaji (2005/2006)
- Exclusive Economic Zone Course (2007)
- Battalion Commanders Course (Armour), Nigerian Army Armour School, Bauchi (2011)
- Defence Resources Management Course, Kenya (2015)
- Higher Defence Management Course, National Defence College, Abuja (2015/2016)
- Counter Terrorism Fellows Programme, College of International Security Affairs, Washington, D.C., USA (2017)
Operational Experience
The General has participated in numerous operations at home and abroad, including:
- Operation Harmony
- Operation Boyona
- Operation Zaman Lafiya
- Operation Lafiya Dole
- Operation Tura Takaibango
- Operation Hadin Kai
- Operation Desert and Lake Sanity
- African Mission in Sudan
- United Nations Mission in Liberia
- Nigeria’s Foreign Training Assistance Mission to Liberia
Appointments Held
Throughout his distinguished career, the General has held several command, instructional, and staff appointments, including:
- Platoon Commander, 245 Recce Battalion
- ADC to General Officer Commanding, 3 Division
- GSO II (Ops), Army Headquarters
- Principal Staff Officer/Military Assistant to Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia
- Company Commander, 242 Recce Battalion
- Military Observer/Logistics Officer, African Mission in Sudan
- Chief of Staff, 23 Brigade Headquarters, Yola
- Training Officer, Armed Forces Simulation Centre, Jaji
- Commanding Officer, 243 Battalion, Monguno
- Chief Instructor, Nigerian Army Armour School
- Principal Staff Officer (Army), Defence Headquarters
- Assistant Director, Peace Keeping Operations, Defence Headquarters
- Director, Coordination and Directing Staff, National Defence College, Abuja
- Commander, 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama
- Acting Chief of Training for Exercises and Training, Army Headquarters, Abuja
- General Officer Commanding, 7 Division and Commander, Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai
- Director of Defence Administration, Defence Space Administration
- Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai
- Current Appointment: Director of Armour Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (from April 22, 2025, to date)
Honours and Awards
The General has received several honours and awards, including:
- Distinguished Service Star (DSS)
- Distinguished Service Order (DSO LR)
- Foreign Training Assistance Medal (FTAM)
- Pass Staff College (psc)
- Fellow, National Defence College Dagger (+)
- Command Medal (CM)
- Purple Heart Medal for Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North East
- Field Command Medal (FCM)
- Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH)
- General Operation Medal (GOM)
- Defence Operations Medal (DOM)
He is also a proud member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM).
Hobbies
His hobbies include:
- Reading
- Early morning walks
- Deep contemplations
The General is happily married, and the union is blessed with children.
2. CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas was born on 20 September 1969. He hails from Kano State, North Western part of Nigeria and was commissioned as a Mid-shipman on 18 September 1992 as a member of 40th Regular Course. He attained the rank of Rear Admiral on 10th September 2020, having satisfied all professional and ethical requirement for such an elevation. Rear Admiral Idi Abbas has held several Appointments in the course of his illustrious career in the Nigerian Navy, with the foremost being the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he performed credibly well in checking the activities of illegal oil theft and sea pirates within his maritime domain.
He is currently serving at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, where he has continued to bring his rich experience to bear in drafting policy guidance to aid operations of the generality of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Rear Admiral Abbas is fortnight and imbedded with the right composure, temperament as well as maturity to hold higher strategic responsibility. He is a devoted Muslim and married with children.
3. CHIEF OF AIR STAFF
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke was born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, to the family of Air Warrant Officer (rtd) Sylvester Aneke and Mrs. Ngozi Aneke. He hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, in South-Eastern Nigeria.
He attended Army Children School, New Cantonment ‘A’, NDA, Kaduna (1976–1982), where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to Government College, Kaduna (1982–1987), where he obtained his West African School Certificate.
Military Career and Education
Air Vice Marshal Aneke began his military career on 10 September 1988 when he enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer into the Nigerian Air Force on 10 September 1993.
He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Master’s in Political Economy and Developmental Studies from the University of Abuja. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. (in view).
He also obtained a Professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona, Florida, USA.
Military Courses
Air Vice Marshal Aneke has attended several professional and military courses, including:
- Aeromechanical Engineering Course, Officers Engineering School, Technical Training Group (now Air Force Institute of Technology)
- Ab-initio Flying Training, 301 Flying Training School
- Basic Flying Training, 301 Flying Training School (now 401 Flying Training School)
- Junior and Senior Staff Courses, Armed Forces Command and Staff College
- Master’s in Strategic Studies, United States Air Force Air University, Montgomery, Alabama (US Air War College)
Appointments Held
Throughout his service in the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Aneke has held numerous appointments, including:
- Admin Officer, Aircraft Overhaul Centre, Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja
- Group Logistics Officer, 301 Flying Training School, NAF Base Kaduna
- Commanding Officer, Base Services Wing, Air Maritime Group, Benin
- Staff Officer, United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (MONUC), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Fleet Training Officer, Wing Chief Admin, and Wing Chief Operations, Presidential Air Fleet, Abuja
- Group Operations Officer and later Commander, 307 Executive Airlift Group, Abuja
- Deputy Director Evaluation (Air), Headquarters Nigerian Air Force
- Command Evaluation Officer, Air Training Command, Kaduna
- Command Operations and Evaluation Officer, Tactical Air Training Command, Makurdi
- Chief of Staff, Air Training Command, Kaduna
- Director of Safety, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja
- Deputy Director Operations, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force
- Director of Policy, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force
- Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
He is currently the Air Officer Commanding, Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command, based in Yenagoa, where he continues to contribute to improving operational readiness and security within his command’s area of responsibility.
Operational Experience
Air Vice Marshal Aneke has participated in numerous operations both within and outside Nigeria.
As a Squadron Leader, he participated in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations under Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta Region (2004–2005).
He also served in Congo, where he was Air Operations Officer in Kinshasa and Chief of Air Operations in the Kindu Region (2005–2006).
As Wing Chief Operations in the Presidential Air Fleet, he contributed to the operational efficiency of Nigeria’s executive aviation.
While serving as Commander, Executive Airlift Group, he oversaw crew and aircraft operations, including the Beechcraft King Air 350, used as a frontline intelligence platform in counter-insurgency missions.
As Chief of Staff, Air Training Command, Kaduna, he coordinated air operations with other military components under Operation Thunderstrike in North-West Nigeria.
Flying Experience and Achievements
Air Vice Marshal Aneke is type-rated and has flown the following aircraft:
Air Beetle 18, Air Beetle 18 Extended Version, Dornier 228, Citation 500, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, Gulfstream 550, and Hawker 4000.
He holds an Advanced Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with a total of 4,359 flying hours.
His medals and awards include GSS, DSS, GSM, FCM, Psc, USAFWC, MSc, MIAD, and MPEDS.
Air Vice Marshal Aneke is widely respected for his professionalism, calm disposition, and integrity. His conduct and leadership qualities have earned him high regard among his peers.
He is recommended for appointment as the Chief of Air Staff.
Personal Life
Air Vice Marshal Aneke is married to Mrs. Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and their marriage is blessed with three sons: Chukwuebuka Kelvin Aneke, Ifeanyi Chukwu Brian Aneke, and Uchechukwu Jason Aneke.
He enjoys flying, music, and movies, and he remains grateful to God for his life and career progress.
4. CHIEF OF DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE
Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye was born on 2 September 1968 in Bedia, Obudu Local Government Area, Cross River State, to the family of Mr. Sylvanus Undiandeye and Mrs. Maria Undiandeye.
Education and Military Training
He attended the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, and later proceeded to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (Standard Military Course 922), United Kingdom, where he completed his cadet training.
After his commissioning, he attended several military and academic institutions, including:
- Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Lagos
- Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (Junior and Senior Courses)
- National Defence University, Washington, D.C., USA
- National Defence College, Abuja, Nigeria
- University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Master’s Degree
- Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Administration, USA – Senior Executives National and International Security Programme
- International Intelligence Directors Course, Chicksands, United Kingdom
Academic Qualifications
Major General Undiandeye holds the following academic qualifications:
- B.A. (Honours) in History
- Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies
- International Counter Terrorism Fellow (ICTF), College of International Security Affairs, National Defence University, Washington, D.C., USA
Military Career and Appointments
Over the course of his distinguished career, Major General Undiandeye has held numerous command, staff, and instructional appointments. He has made significant contributions to both national and international security efforts.
Some of his notable appointments include:
- Chief of Staff, Headquarters Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps – coordinated operational intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination
- Director, Lessons Learnt, Army Headquarters, Department of Transformation and Innovation
- Director, Foreign Liaison, Defence Intelligence Agency
- Senior Research Fellow, Nigerian Army Resource Centre
- Director, Psychological Warfare, Defence Headquarters
- Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre
- Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji
Internationally, he has served in key United Nations roles, including:
- Deputy Chief Operations Officer, United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)
- Deputy Chief of Assessments, United Nations Headquarters, New York
- Pioneer Staff, United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), where he contributed to preventing conflict between South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan
Major General Undiandeye assumed command as the 17th Chief of Defence Intelligence on 23 June 2023.
Honours, Awards, and Decorations
Major General Undiandeye has earned several honours and professional fellowships, including:
- Grand Service Star (GSS)
- Defence Meritorious Star (DMS)
- Defence Administration Medal (DAM)
- Field Command Medal (FCM)
- Training Support Medal (TSM)
- International Counterterrorism Fellow (ICTF)
- United Nations Headquarters Medal (2013)
He is also a:
- Fellow, National Defence College (fdc), Nigeria
- Fellow, National Defense University (fndu), Washington, D.C., USA
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Administration (FCAI)
- Fellow, International Institute of Professional Security (FIIPS)
- Fellow, Nigerian Army Resource Centre (FNARC)
His extensive intelligence, instructional, and operational background provides him with broad expertise in coordinating Armed Forces activities and shaping defence strategy.
Personal Life
Major General Undiandeye is happily married to Mrs. Jane Ekor Undiandeye, and their union is blessed with three children.
His hobbies include reading, playing golf, photography, and nature watching.
5. CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede was born on 21 June 1968 in Ikere-Ekiti Town and hails from Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He attended Holy Trinity Primary School, Ikere-Ekiti, and proceeded to Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, for his secondary education.
In 1987, he gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 39th Regular Course. Upon completion of his cadet training, he was granted a Regular Combatant Commission on 19 December 1992, in the rank of Second Lieutenant, with seniority effective from 12 September 1987.
He is of the Infantry Corps and has risen through the ranks to become the 29th indigenous Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army — first in acting capacity from 30 October 2024, and substantively in November 2024.
Military Education and Training
Throughout his distinguished career, Lieutenant General Oluyede has attended numerous professional and command courses both in Nigeria and abroad. These include:
- Young Officers’ Course (Infantry) and Regimental Signal Officers’ Course, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji
- Commanding Officers’ Course, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji
- United Nations Logistics Officers’ Course, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre, Ghana
- United Nations Military Observers’ Course, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji
- Junior and Senior Staff Courses, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
- Senior Executive Course, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru
- Strategic Leadership Course, Nigerian Defence Academy
He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Economics from the Nigerian Defence Academy and has participated in numerous workshops and conferences that have enhanced his capacity for leadership and operational command.
Military Career and Appointments
Lieutenant General Oluyede has served in various formations, training institutions, and headquarters, holding command, staff, and instructional appointments. His postings include:
- Platoon Commander and Company Second-in-Command, 65 Mechanised Battalion and 177 Guards Battalion
- Officer Commanding, 2 Amphibious Battalion
- Instructor and later Senior Instructor, Nigerian Defence Academy
- Staff Officer Grade 1, Personnel, Welfare, Logistics, and Operations, Headquarters Joint Task Force (Operation Restore Hope) and Headquarters 82 Division
- Deputy Director, Examinations, Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command
- Chief of Staff, Headquarters 13 Brigade
- Deputy Chief of Staff (Civil-Military Cooperation), Headquarters 1 Division
- Director, Army Standards and Evaluation, Army Headquarters
- Commandant, Amphibious Training School, Calabar
- Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade and Acting Commander, Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole
- Senior Research Fellow, Nigerian Army Resource Centre
- Director, Policy and Plans, Army Headquarters
- General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army
- Director, Inspection and Compliance, Office of the Chief of Army Staff
- Commander, Infantry Corps
He was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff in October 2024 and confirmed Substantive Chief of Army Staff in November 2024.
Operational Experience
Lieutenant General Oluyede has participated in several national and international operations. His early operational experience began as a Platoon Commander during ECOMOG Operations, where he displayed remarkable initiative, courage, and dedication.
He was commended for his role in securing the Presidential Lodge and was consistently described as disciplined, articulate, and devoted to his troops’ welfare.
As Officer Commanding, 2 Battalion, he played a key role in quelling the militia crisis in Rivers State, where his leadership helped contain the Niger Delta Volunteer Peoples Force.
While serving in Sector 1 Joint Task Force, he demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen during an ambush at Chanomi Creek, successfully extracting his men under heavy fire. His strategic planning later contributed to the successful dislodgement of militants from the fortified Camp 5.
Leadership Achievements
As Commandant of the Amphibious Training School (ATS), he initiated several infrastructure and welfare improvements, including:
- Relocation and renovation of student hostels
- Construction of a swimming pool and skill acquisition centre for soldiers’ families
- Rehabilitation of accommodation for officers and soldiers
- Refurbishment of multiple unserviceable gunboats and vessels for operational deployment
All these were achieved from the school’s limited resources, earning him the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award (2018).
As Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade, and later Commander, Sector 2, Buni Yadi (Operation Hadin Kai), he reorganised defences and successfully led operations that defeated multiple terrorist attacks in Buni Gari and Damaturu. His leadership contributed to the neutralisation of key insurgent commanders and improved troop morale through better welfare and logistics support.
As GOC 6 Division, his leadership led to improved stability and increased oil production in the Niger Delta. He championed civil-military projects, improved infrastructure, and enhanced cooperation among security agencies.
Chief of Army Staff Tenure
Upon assumption of office as Chief of Army Staff, General Oluyede prioritised troop welfare, discipline, and operational readiness. He introduced reforms to improve accommodation, healthcare, allowances, and logistics for soldiers and their families.
He launched his Command Philosophy:
“Consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”
Under his leadership, new depots were established for recruitment, key training programmes revived, and more military equipment procured, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, armoured fighting vehicles, and night-vision equipment.
He continues to uphold the principles of human rights, operational discipline, and respect for humanitarian law.
Honours and Awards
Lieutenant General Oluyede’s distinguished service has earned him several honours, including:
- Nigerian Army Medal (NAM)
- Forces Service Star (FSS)
- Meritorious Service Star (MSS)
- Distinguished Service Star (DSS)
- Grand Service Star (GSS)
- Passed Staff Course (psc)
- Member, National Institute (mni)
- Field Command Medal (FCM)
- Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH)
- Training Support Medal (TSM)
- General Operations Medal (GOM)
- Corps Medal of Honour (CMH)
- Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award (CCA)
Personal Life
Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede is married and blessed with children. He enjoys travelling, playing basketball, and volleyball.
He currently serves as the Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army.
