President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong directive to the newly appointed service chiefs, urging them to take decisive action against terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges across the country.
Speaking on Thursday during the decoration ceremony for the service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu said Nigerians expect concrete results rather than excuses.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” the President declared. “I charge you to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary.”
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; several state governors; ministers; and senior security officials.
President Tinubu tasked the military to dismantle emerging armed groups operating in parts of the North-Central, North-West, and South, stressing that his administration would not tolerate the resurgence of insecurity.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Of grave concern is the recent emergence of new armed groups in different regions. We must not allow these new threats to fester. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head,” he warned.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to national security, President Tinubu promised full support for the armed forces, noting that the safety of Nigerians remains his top priority.
He praised the military’s sacrifices and achievements in reclaiming areas once controlled by insurgents, saying, “There were times when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land; this is no longer the case.”
The President also emphasized teamwork and coordination among the security agencies: “Work together as a team. Exchange information effectively, and ensure a seamless process. Defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up and clear them out.”
Responding on behalf of the service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the President for the confidence reposed in them and pledged renewed commitment to securing the country.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. We urge all citizens to support us as we make Nigeria a safer place,” Oluyede said.
The newly decorated officers 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.
The event concluded on a light note when the service chiefs, after saluting the President, turned to salute their spouses — drawing applause from guests in attendance.