Who Is Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff?
Nigeria is a country located in West Africa with a population of over 206 million people. The country has faced a lot of security challenges over the years, ranging from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminal activities. To ensure the safety and security of its citizens, the government established the Nigerian Armed Forces. One of the most important positions in the Nigerian Armed Forces is the Chief of Defense Staff. In this article, we will be discussing who Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff is and what his role entails.
What Is the Nigerian Armed Forces?
The Nigerian Armed Forces is the military power of Nigeria, responsible for protecting the country's borders, maintaining internal security, and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The Nigerian Armed Forces consist of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and the Nigerian Air Force. These three branches are headed by their respective chiefs, who report to the Chief of Defense Staff.
Who Is the Chief of Defense Staff?
The Chief of Defense Staff is the highest-ranking military officer in the Nigerian Armed Forces. He is responsible for the overall command and control of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Chief of Defense Staff is appointed by the President of Nigeria and is usually selected from the senior-most officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Current Chief of Defense Staff
The current Chief of Defense Staff is General Lucky Irabor. He was appointed as the Chief of Defense Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26, 2021. Prior to his appointment, General Irabor served as the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the military operation focused on defeating the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast region of Nigeria.
Role of the Chief of Defense Staff
The Chief of Defense Staff is responsible for the overall command and control of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He is also responsible for advising the President, the National Security Council, and the Minister of Defense on military matters. Some of the specific roles and responsibilities of the Chief of Defense Staff include:
Strategic Planning
The Chief of Defense Staff is responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for the Nigerian Armed Forces. He works with the other military chiefs to ensure that the Nigerian Armed Forces are adequately equipped and trained to carry out their duties.
Operational Planning
The Chief of Defense Staff is involved in the operational planning of military operations. He works with the other military chiefs and the field commanders to ensure that military operations are planned and executed effectively.
Command and Control
The Chief of Defense Staff is responsible for the overall command and control of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He ensures that the Nigerian Armed Forces are organized, trained, and equipped to carry out their duties effectively.
Liaison with Other Security Agencies
The Chief of Defense Staff works closely with other security agencies in Nigeria, such as the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps. He ensures that there is effective coordination between the different security agencies to maintain internal security.
International Relations
The Chief of Defense Staff represents the Nigerian Armed Forces in international forums and maintains international relations with other countries' military chiefs. He works with other countries' military chiefs to enhance military cooperation and collaboration.
Past Chief of Defense Staff
Nigeria has had several Chiefs of Defense Staff since the country's independence in 1960. Some of the past Chief of Defense Staff and their tenure include:
- General Yakubu Gowon (1966 – 1975)
- General Olusegun Obasanjo (1975 – 1979)
- General Muhammadu Buhari (1984 – 1985)
- Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (1990 – 1993)
- General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998 – 1999)
- General Martin Luther Agwai (2006 – 2007)
- Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin (2010 – 2012)
- Admiral Ola Ibrahim (2012 – 2014)
- Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (2014 – 2015)
- General Gabriel Olonisakin (2015 – 2021)
Conclusion
The Chief of Defense Staff is a crucial position in the Nigerian Armed Forces. He is responsible for the overall command and control of the Nigerian Armed Forces and advises the President, the National Security Council, and the Minister of Defense on military matters. General Lucky Irabor is the current Chief of Defense Staff, and he has a lot of responsibilities, including strategic planning, operational planning, command and control, liaison with other security agencies, and international relations. The Nigerian Armed Forces have had several Chiefs of Defense Staff since independence, and each of them has contributed their quota to the country's security and development.
