President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern directive to Nigeria’s newly decorated service chiefs, demanding an end to terrorism, banditry, and criminality that have plagued the nation for over a decade.
Speaking on Thursday at the Presidential Villa during the decoration ceremony for the military top brass, President Tinubu made it clear that the era of excuses is over, urging the security leaders to adopt innovative and proactive strategies in tackling the country’s security challenges.
“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 declared.
“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.”
Emerging Threats in Focus
The President expressed particular concern about the resurgence of armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of southern Nigeria, warning that these threats must be neutralized before they gain ground.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
“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.”
Call for Unity and Inter-Agency Cooperation
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of collaboration among the service chiefs and with other security agencies to achieve lasting results.
“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,” he said.
The President pledged full governmental support for the armed forces, reiterating that national security remains a top priority for economic development and the well-being of citizens.
Acknowledgment of Past Sacrifices
While charging the military leadership to do more, Tinubu commended the armed forces for their dedication and the ultimate sacrifices many soldiers have made in defense of the nation.
“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,” the President said.
He noted that significant progress has been made in reclaiming territories previously controlled by terrorists and rescuing kidnapped citizens, but stressed that more work needs to be done.
“There were times when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land; this is no longer the case,” Tinubu added.
Service Chiefs Pledge Commitment
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed gratitude to the President for the appointments and assured Nigerians of the military’s determination to restore peace and security.
General Oluyede appealed to citizens across all ethnic groups to support the armed forces in their mission to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. 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,” he stated.
Newly Decorated Military Leaders
The service chiefs who received their new ranks at Thursday’s ceremony 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 high-profile event held at the Council Chambers was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy Senator Barau Jibrin, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and his deputy Benjamin Kalu, as well as several state governors and top government officials.
In a lighter moment that drew applause, the newly decorated service chiefs, after saluting the President as their Commander-in-Chief, turned and saluted their wives who accompanied them to the ceremony.
