President Bola Tinubu has sent a strong message to Nigeria’s new service chiefs, warning that the nation is tired of insecurity and now demands results — not excuses. Speaking during their official decoration ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President urged them to act swiftly and crush emerging armed groups in parts of the North-Central, North-West, and South. “We must not allow these new threats to fester,” Tinubu said firmly. “Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”
The President commended the military for reclaiming territories and rescuing kidnapped victims in recent years, but emphasized that evolving security challenges require innovation and collaboration. “Security is the foundation of progress,” he said. “Without peace, all other achievements become meaningless.” Tinubu charged the officers to deploy modern technology, intelligence sharing, and proactive strategies to defeat terrorists once and for all.
He further assured the armed forces of his administration’s full support while urging them to coordinate closely with other security agencies. “Nigerians expect results. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace,” he told them. The newly decorated service chiefs include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
In their responses, the officers pledged total dedication to restoring peace and stability. General Oluyede promised decisive action and appealed for public cooperation, saying security is everyone’s business. Lieutenant General Shaibu vowed to review strategies to address rising insecurity, while Rear Admiral Abbas promised a technology-driven naval force to tackle maritime crimes. Air Marshal Aneke pledged to “leave no stone unturned” in improving national security, highlighting troop welfare and collaboration as his priorities.
Tinubu’s appointments mark the fourth major reshuffle of Nigeria’s service chiefs in ten years — a reflection of the country’s ongoing struggle to achieve lasting peace. With the President’s clear directive, Nigerians now wait to see if this new team can deliver the long-awaited victory over insecurity.
