By Joke Kujenya
RENEWED URGENCY for decisive military action against insecurity took centre stage on Thursday as President Bola Tinubu charged Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs to eliminate armed threats across the country and restore national stability.
The President made the call during the swearing-in and decoration ceremony of the top defence officers at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, following their confirmation by the Senate on Wednesday.
The ceremony, attended by senior government officials and top military brass, formally marked the assumption of duty for the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kevin Aneke; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye and their respective wives.
President Tinubu, who personally administered the oath of office and decorated the officers with their new ranks, told the nation’s defence heads that their appointment symbolised a fresh phase in Nigeria’s collective effort to consolidate peace, stability, and territorial integrity.
He emphasised that the government’s foremost responsibility remained the protection of its citizens, stressing that security was the foundation of meaningful governance and national development.
The President said the ceremony transcended formality and reflected a renewed resolve to confront insecurity decisively.
“This event is beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians. Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task,” he stated.
Underscoring the pivotal role of the armed forces, Tinubu commended their past efforts in reclaiming occupied territories from insurgents and rescuing kidnapped citizens.
“Our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many paying the ultimate price for their service. 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,” he said.
He acknowledged the progress made in weakening terrorist networks and restoring calm to many regions but warned that emerging threats could reverse recent gains if not addressed with urgency.
“Challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly 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.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President’s charge came as the country continues to grapple with renewed cases of armed banditry, communal violence, and kidnapping in various parts of the federation.
He urged the new military chiefs to pursue innovative and intelligence-led approaches to security management, leveraging technology and coordinated strategies to neutralise threats before they escalate.
“I charge 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. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” he stated.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support, resources, and political will to enable the armed forces to execute their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
He also emphasised that Nigerians expected tangible outcomes from their leadership and not excuses.
“Nigerians expect results, not excuses. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance,” the President declared.
He expressed appreciation to the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifice and patriotism, particularly those who had lost their lives in service to the country.
“I thank our armed forces for their patriotism, diligence, and dedication to their duty. As your Commander-in-Chief, I sincerely appreciate your sacrifices, as I have repeatedly acknowledged,” he added.
Following the President’s address, General Olufemi Oluyede, speaking on behalf of the other service chiefs, assured Nigerians of the military’s readiness to confront and eliminate all forms of criminality.
He pledged total loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to national unity, democratic governance, and socio-economic stability.
“I want to thank all Nigerians for the support they give to the armed forces,” Oluyede said. “I expect that they give us more support so that we can make Nigeria safer. I want to assure Mr President and all Nigerians today that we will do our utmost best to ensure that we rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make Nigeria safer so that socio-economic endeavours can thrive.”
The newly confirmed Chief of Defence Staff further stated that the armed forces would intensify joint operations, strengthen intelligence sharing, and sustain collaboration with security agencies to secure every region of the country.
“We pledge our loyalty to Mr President, and we assure you that we will continue to support the flourishing democracy and all your government aspirations to make Nigeria better. That’s our pledge for you today,” he said.
The appointments of the new service chiefs, announced last week, followed President Tinubu’s decision to restructure the top military hierarchy as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and refocus Nigeria’s security architecture.
The move, according to the presidency, was aimed at consolidating earlier gains in the fight against insurgency and repositioning the armed forces for emerging national security challenges.
The Senate had on Wednesday confirmed the appointments of the service chiefs after screening them in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Lawmakers commended the President for selecting career officers with proven operational experience and strategic competence, expressing optimism that the new leadership would strengthen the military’s counterterrorism and internal security operations.
During the ceremony, each of the appointees received insignia corresponding to their new ranks — General, Lieutenant General, Vice Admiral, and Air Marshal — symbolising their formal assumption of command across the defence services.
The Council Chambers event drew senior government functionaries, top military officers, family members, and guests who witnessed the symbolic transition of command.
President Tinubu had earlier, through a statement on his verified X handle @PBAT, charged the new service chiefs to “deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our armed forces as they serve our nation with honour.”
The administration, he noted, would continue to invest in the modernisation of the military, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and ensure the welfare of service personnel and their families.
The President closed his remarks at the ceremony with a message of confidence and national resolve.
“I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done. Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to keep our country and armed forces safe,” Tinubu said.
