President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern directive to Nigeria’s newly decorated service chiefs, declaring that the country must not allow the security crisis that began in 2009 to continue.
The president made the statement on Wednesday during the decoration ceremony of the newly appointed service chiefs at the State House, Abuja.
Addressing the top military commanders, Tinubu congratulated them on their appointments and Senate confirmation but reminded them that their new roles carried immense responsibility.
“I am entrusting you with a tremendous responsibility—one that you must approach with the highest standards of commitment and dedication,” he said.
He noted that the ceremony went beyond symbolism, describing it as the beginning of a renewed national effort to secure Nigeria.
“Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless. There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet,” Tinubu declared.
The president commended the armed forces for their resilience and sacrifice, recalling how they reclaimed territories once occupied by terrorists and rescued countless kidnapped citizens.
“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.
While praising their past achievements, Tinubu admitted that significant security challenges still persist. He expressed deep concern about the emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, stressing that such threats must be eliminated swiftly and decisively.
“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,” the president warned, in one of his most forceful statements on national security yet.
Tinubu reminded the service chiefs that Nigerians are no longer interested in excuses but in concrete results. He urged them to show patriotism, innovation, and courage in tackling the complex and evolving security landscape.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” he added.
The president also called for the deployment of modern technology in intelligence and operations, emphasizing the need to stay ahead of insurgents and criminal networks.
“Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” he said.
Assuring the military of his administration’s full support, Tinubu pledged to provide all necessary logistics and resources to ensure success.
“I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” he stated.
Tinubu expressed confidence in the ability of the new service chiefs to deliver on their mandate.
“I wish you success as you take up this challenge. May God continue to keep our armed forces safe,” he said.
