President Bola Tinubu on Thursday tasked Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs to adopt innovative and courageous approaches in tackling terrorism and emerging security threats across the country.
Delivering his remarks at the decoration ceremony at the State House, Abuja, the president emphasised that the event symbolised more than a formal ceremony, describing it as a “renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians.”
“Today’s ceremony is beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged the sacrifices of the armed forces in defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
President Tinubu noted that many officers had paid the ultimate price in service to the country.
“In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, our gallant armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories,” the president added.
He praised the military for restoring peace in previously troubled areas and rescuing kidnapped citizens, noting that such operations had substantially weakened terror groups.
However, Tinubu cautioned that security threats were evolving, citing the emergence of new armed groups in parts of the North-Central, North-West, and South.
“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive.
”Let us smash the new snakes right in the head,” he warned, urging the service chiefs to leverage technology and modern strategies to stay ahead of insurgents and criminal networks.
“I charge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equipping the armed forces with the necessary resources.
“I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done.”
Responding on behalf of the service chiefs, Chief of Defence Staff Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede pledged coordinated action to secure the nation.
“I want to assure Mr. President and all Nigerians today that we’ll do our utmost to rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make the country safer, so that socio-economic endeavours can thrive,” he said.
Other service chiefs in attendance included Chief of Army Staff Maj.-Gen. Waheedi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, and Chief of Naval Staff Rear Adm. Idi Abbas.
The ceremony also saw the spouses of the service chiefs take the oath of allegiance and office before the President.
