PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs to be relentless in tackling the country’s security challenges, stressing that Nigerians expect concrete results, not excuses.
The president made the statement today during a ceremony to decorate the service chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He emphasized the importance of carrying out their duties with “patriotic zeal” and noted that their efforts in the ongoing battle against insecurity had led to significant achievements, including the restoration of peace in areas once under siege and the rescue of numerous kidnapped citizens.
Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the armed forces for their dedication and sacrifices, reaffirming his support as Commander-in-Chief.
He however, urged the military to be even more proactive in light of emerging security threats across the country.
“Of grave concern to our administration is the recent rise of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. These threats must be tackled decisively and swiftly,” he said, calling for a proactive approach to neutralize these growing dangers. “We cannot allow these new threats to take root,” he added.
The president also reiterated the importance of security as the foundation for national development.
“Security is the bedrock upon which every other aspect of governance depends,” he stated. “Without it, there can be no meaningful progress.”
Tinubu’s remarks come after a significant military reshuffle last week, in which he appointed new service chiefs in a move aimed at revamping the country’s security structure.
This included the removal of General Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff and the appointment of Olufemi Oluyede, the former Chief of Army Staff, as his replacement.
Major General Waidi Shaibu was also named the new Chief of Army Staff, with new heads appointed to the Air Force and Navy.
The Senate confirmed these appointments earlier this week, marking the official start of this new phase in Nigeria’s security efforts.
President Tinubu called the decoration ceremony “the beginning of our renewed efforts to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians,” underscoring that each service chief had been carefully selected for their critical role in addressing the country’s security challenges.