President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to act decisively against emerging security threats across the country, declaring that the government would not tolerate excuses in the war against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity.
Speaking at the official decoration ceremony of the Service Chiefs at the State House, Abuja, the President said the event symbolised not just their formal assumption of office, but the beginning of a renewed national commitment to restore lasting peace and security in Nigeria.
“Today’s ceremony goes beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the start of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians,” Tinubu said. “Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task. Nigerians expect results, not excuses.”
Tinubu emphasised that security remained the foundation of national progress, warning that no development could thrive in the absence of safety and stability.
“Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance,” he stated.
The President paid glowing tribute to the Nigerian Armed Forces for their resilience and sacrifices in defending the country’s territorial integrity, recalling the dark days when terrorists and armed marauders seized large parts of the country.
“In those trying times, our gallant armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed occupied territories, rescued countless citizens, and restored peace to many communities,” Tinubu noted.
While commending their patriotism and dedication, the President warned that new threats were emerging in parts of the country, including the North-Central, North-West, and some southern regions.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups. We must not allow these new threats to fester. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head,” he declared.
Tinubu urged the military chiefs to be “innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous,” stressing the need for technological deployment in tackling modern security challenges.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” he said, promising to provide full government support to enable the armed forces fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.
The President concluded by reaffirming his confidence in the new military leadership and praying for the protection of Nigeria’s armed forces.
“I wish you success as you take up this challenge. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe,” Tinubu said.
At the ceremony attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, senior government officials and the spouses of the officers, who were all dressed in their respective force uniforms, the President conferred new ranks on General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shuaib (Chief of Army Staff), Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff).
Thursday’s event followed the Senate’s confirmation of the nominees a day earlier after a two-hour closed-door screening.
