The newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has said that Nigeria’s security challenges will persist unless the country improves its information management and intelligence coordination.

Gen. Oluyede made the remark on Wednesday during his screening by the Senate, where he reflected on his previous tenure as Chief of Army Staff (CoAS).

“My tenure was quite challenging, and while things have improved tremendously, we can do better,” he said. “It requires a whole-of-society approach. It’s important for all hands to be on deck to make Nigeria safer.”

He spoke of the intense demands of military leadership and the sacrifices required to maintain national security. “It demanded cognate experience, sleepless nights, and total dedication to the safety of our nation,” he said.

While acknowledging limited resources, he stressed the need for Nigeria to build its capacity to tackle emerging threats such as terrorism and cybercrime. “If we fail to manage information effectively, our challenges will persist,” he warned.

Gen. Oluyede also underscored the importance of strengthening local defence capacity and developing homegrown solutions to national security problems.

After his presentation, the Senate expressed satisfaction with his responses and allowed him to take a bow and leave.

Gen. Oluyede is among the new service chiefs appointed by President Bola Tinubu. Others include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

Born in 1968, Gen. Oluyede previously served as the 24th Chief of Army Staff.