October 30, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, decorated the newly appointed Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, charging them to confront emerging security threats across the country with courage, innovation, and zero tolerance for excuses.
Speaking during the ceremony attended by top government officials and military hierarchy, the President warned that Nigeria cannot afford a relapse into insecurity, stressing that peace and stability remain the bedrock of meaningful national development.
“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 declared.
The President hailed the military for reclaiming territories previously held by terrorists and bandits and for rescuing countless abducted victims, describing the sacrifices of fallen soldiers as a debt the nation will never forget.
“Our armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories. We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege and significantly diminished the capacity of terror groups”, he added.
However, he cautioned that the security landscape is rapidly evolving, warning that new criminal formations have begun to emerge 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 in the head. Nigerians expect results, not excuses”, Tinubu ordered.
The President urged the Service Chiefs to embrace cutting-edge technology, intelligence-driven operations, and strategic foresight to outpace violent groups and protect citizens nationwide.
“Be innovative, pre-emptive and courageous. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer”, he charged.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fully empowering the military with resources, moral support, and strategic backing.
“I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done”, he pledged.
Security, he stressed, remains the government’s highest obligation and the determinant of citizens’ confidence and national progress.
“Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless. Our people and nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance”, Tinubu noted.
The President congratulated the new Service Chiefs on their Senate confirmation and urged them to serve the nation with integrity, patriotism, and unwavering dedication.
The ceremony marks a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to restore order, safeguard lives and property, and strengthen military capability across all formations as Nigeria confronts evolving security challenges.
“May God continue to keep our armed forces safe”, Tinubu concluded.
THEWILL reports that the new service chiefs appointed on Friday, after the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and two others were relieved of their appointment, were decorated with new ranks.
They are General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt.-General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) and Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff (CAS). The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt-General E.A.P Undiendeye, retained his position.
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