President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly appointed service chiefs to focus on results rather than excuses, saying Nigerians are eager to celebrate peace after years of insecurity. Speaking during their decoration ceremony at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President urged them to confront emerging security threats in the North-Central, North-West, and …
Tinubu to Service Chiefs: Let Us Smash the New Snakes Right in the Head
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly appointed service chiefs to focus on results rather than excuses, saying Nigerians are eager to celebrate peace after years of insecurity.
Speaking during their decoration ceremony at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President urged them to confront emerging security threats in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, describing the armed groups as “new snakes”.
“We must not allow these threats to fester,” Tinubu warned. “We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”
‘Security Threats Are Evolving’
Tinubu said the country had made progress in reclaiming occupied territories, rescuing kidnapped citizens, and weakening terror groups. However, he acknowledged that insecurity still persists and continues to evolve.
“Security threats are constantly mutating,” he said. “Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance. Achievements in other areas become meaningless without security.”
The President reminded the service chiefs of their constitutional duty, stressing that his administration expects decisive action.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Confers New Ranks on Service Chiefs, Charges on National Security
“Nigerians expect results, not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace,” he said. “Be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Deploy technology where necessary. The crisis that began in 2009 must not persist any longer.”
He assured them of government support in carrying out their duties.
Oluyede Pledges Commitment
Responding, the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, pledged that the armed forces would give their best with the support of Nigerians.
“Security should be everyone’s business,” he said. “Without the people’s support, we can achieve little. We’ll work hard to make Nigeria safer.”
Tinubu decorated the new service chiefs after their confirmation by the National Assembly.
New Defence Leadership
The newly appointed service chiefs are:
- General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
- Lieutenant General Wahidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
- Air Marshal Sunday Aneke – Chief of Air Staff (CAS)
- Vice Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)
- Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence (retained)
Wives of the newly promoted officers assisted in the decoration ceremony attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and other top government officials.
Army Chief Promises New Strategy
Lieutenant General Wahidi Shaibu, the new Chief of Army Staff, said he would review the security situation and adopt new strategies to counter emerging threats.
“These situations are unacceptable and need urgent attention,” he said. “We live in tough times, but we are tough people. We shall not disappoint the nation.”
READ ALSO: Just in: Senate Confirms Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff
He commended his predecessor, General Oluyede, for improvements in equipment, infrastructure, and troop welfare, promising to build on those gains and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies.
“To our troops, I feel your sacrifices, I feel your families, and we shall not disappoint you,” Shaibu assured.
Abbas: Navy to Be Tech-Driven
Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, pledged to lead a disciplined and technology-driven Navy to protect the nation’s maritime domain and boost the blue economy.
“Our maritime environment faces crude oil theft, sea robbery, and drug trafficking, which undermine our economy,” Abbas said. “We will confront these threats decisively.”
He promised to prioritise personnel welfare, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and sustain the progress recorded under his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
Air Force Chief: ‘We’ll Leave No Stone Unturned’
Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, described his appointment as a call to national duty and vowed to sustain gains in air operations.
“We’ll leave no stone unturned in working with other agencies to improve national security,” Aneke said. “Personnel welfare will remain central under my leadership.”
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and pledged loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief, adding that a motivated force is key to operational success.
His predecessor, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, urged him to sustain the Air Force’s combat readiness and prioritise personnel welfare.
Fourth Service Chiefs Overhaul Since 2015
Tinubu’s reshuffle marks the fourth change of service chiefs since the All Progressives Congress (APC) assumed power in 2015.
President Muhammadu Buhari first appointed new service chiefs in July 2015 and replaced them again in January 2021. Tinubu made his own appointments after taking office in 2023 and has now reconstituted the service chiefs once more.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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