President Bola Tinubu has urged the newly appointed service chiefs to employ innovative and courageous strategies in addressing terrorism and emerging security threats across Nigeria. During a decoration ceremony at the State House in Abuja, the President emphasized the need for the service chiefs to approach their assignments with the highest level of patriotism and dedication.
The ceremony marked a renewed commitment to ensuring peace and security for all Nigerians, according to President Tinubu. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the armed forces in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, noting that many officers had paid the ultimate price in service to the country. The President commended the military for restoring peace to previously troubled areas and rescuing kidnapped citizens, which has significantly weakened terror groups.
However, President Tinubu cautioned that security threats are evolving, with new armed groups emerging in parts of the North-Central, North-West, and South. He stressed the need for decisive and proactive action to address these threats, urging the service chiefs to leverage technology and fresh strategies to stay ahead of those who threaten national peace and stability.
The President charged the service chiefs to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous, emphasizing that Nigerians expect results, not excuses. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the armed forces with the resources needed to effectively execute their mandate. President Tinubu promised to provide all the support necessary for the service chiefs to succeed in their challenge.
In response, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, assured the President and Nigerians that the service chiefs would work in synergy to tackle the nation’s security threats. He pledged to do everything possible to rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make the country safer for socio-economic activities to thrive.
The ceremony was attended by other service chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke. The event was also witnessed by the spouses of the service chiefs, who took the oath of allegiance and office before the President.
The decoration ceremony marks a significant step in the President’s efforts to address the nation’s security challenges. With the new service chiefs in place, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how they tackle the evolving security threats and work towards ensuring peace and stability across the country.