The courtesy visit, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, marked the new leadership’s maiden engagement with the Minister. 

Accompanying Gen. Oluyede were Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal SK Aneke, the Chief of Air Staff.

The delegation’s arrival underscores the seamless transition following their recent appointments, which await formal Senate confirmation as requested by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

During the meeting, Minister Abubakar emphasized the critical need for synergy among the armed forces to address evolving security challenges. 

A statement from his office highlighted the visit as a foundation for “building a cohesive defence leadership anchored on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.”

“It also kickstarts a renewed drive toward a unified strategy and decisive action in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national interests under the guidance of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement added.

Gen. Oluyede, in his remarks, expressed the team’s commitment to aligning with the Minister’s vision and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 

He pledged to prioritize operational efficiency, inter-service coordination, and innovative approaches to counter threats such as insurgency, banditry, and border vulnerabilities.

The engagement comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s security landscape, with the nation grappling with multifaceted threats in the North-East, North-West, and maritime domains. 

Stakeholders view the new appointments as a fresh mandate to enhance intelligence sharing, modernize equipment, and foster community-based policing initiatives.

Minister Abubakar reiterated the administration’s resolve to invest in troop welfare, capacity building, and technological upgrades, assuring the chiefs of unwavering political support. 

“Together, we will fortify our defences and ensure peace and prosperity for all Nigerians,” he affirmed.

The visit was coordinated by the Minister’s media team, with details released by Mati Ali, PA (Media & Publicity).