President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to the newly appointed service chiefs, urging them to intensify efforts to end terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity across the country.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa on Thursday during the decoration of the service chiefs with their new ranks, Tinubu emphasized that Nigerians were eager for tangible results.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal,” the President said.
He added, “Nigerians expect results, not excuses. I also urge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary.”
Okay News reports that the ceremony, held at the Council Chambers, was attended by top government officials including Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and several governors such as Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, and Umar Namadi of Jigawa.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of the Civil Service, Esther Didi Walson-Jack; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and key ministers including Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and Information Minister Muhammed Idris.
Tinubu cautioned the military leadership against allowing new security threats to grow, stressing the need for swift and decisive action.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South,” he noted.
“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head.”
The President assured the armed forces of full government support in their operations, noting that the safety of Nigerians remained a top national priority.
He commended the courage and resilience of the Nigerian military, recognizing their sacrifices and commitment to national security.
“Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the supreme price for their service. Their sacrifices will not be in vain,” he said.
“We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of terror groups. There were times when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land; this is no longer the case.”
Tinubu urged the service chiefs to work in unity and collaborate closely with other security agencies to achieve lasting peace.
“I advise you to work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange information effectively, and follow up proactively to ensure a seamless process. Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in them.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything,” Oluyede said. “I want to encourage Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us, and ultimately, we will make Nigeria a safer place. That’s our promise to you.”
The service chiefs who were decorated include General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff.
Their spouses also attended the event, earning applause when the officers saluted both the President and their wives.
