By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern directive to Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs, urging them to decisively crush terrorism, banditry, and emerging armed groups across the country, declaring that “Nigerians expect results, not excuses.”
Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after decorating the service chiefs with their new ranks on Thursday, President Tinubu warned that the country could no longer afford prolonged insecurity.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” the President said.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Of grave concern is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head.”
Tinubu, who was joined by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several state governors, reiterated his administration’s readiness to provide full support for the armed forces, stressing that national security remained paramount for development.
“Our foremost duty is to protect citizens,” he said. “Work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange intelligence, and ensure seamless collaboration with other agencies. Nigerians deserve peace, not promises. I will provide all the support you need to get the job done.”
The President praised the military’s sacrifices and successes in reclaiming territories from terrorists and rescuing abducted citizens. “Our soldiers have remained steadfast in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, many paying the supreme price. Their sacrifices will not be in vain,” he assured.
Responding on behalf of the service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, pledged the military’s total commitment to securing the nation.
“Security is our business, but without Nigerians’ support, we can achieve little. We urge citizens across all ethnicities to support us. Together, we will make Nigeria a safer place,” General Oluyede said.
Those decorated included General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence; Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
The service chiefs, accompanied by their spouses, drew applause when they turned to salute their wives after paying respects to the President, their Commander-in-Chief.
