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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday charged new Service Chiefs to change the direction of ongoing security campaigns by staying pre-emptive of terrorists and criminal gangs. Tinubu gave the charge of while decorating the new military chief henchmen at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, tasking them to deploy technology and superior joint planning to “defeat the enemies” and end the insecurity that has dogged the country since 2009. “I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace, freedom and stability. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. It is time to defeat the enemies,” he said. Underscoring urgency, he told the commanders: “Nigerians expect results, not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace.” Tinubu said the ceremony “is beyond symbolism of decoration,” describing it as “the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians,” and stressing that security is the essential element without which everything is rendered meaningless. Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu decorates Service Chiefs with new ranks “There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefit of governance and democracy,” he stated. While saluting the military’s sacrifices and past gains, the President warned that threats are mutating, with the “recent emergence of new armed groups in the troublesome areas of North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South.” He directed the high command to be decisive and proactive: “We must not allow these new threats to fester… Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.” He hailed troops for reclaiming once-occupied territories: “In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, that time is over. You… rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories. Thank you for the rescue mission. Those areas previously under siege have been rescued, countless kidnapped citizens [freed], and you have significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.” The President paid tribute to fallen heroes and thanked their families: “The sacrifices will not be in vain.” He also extended appreciation to the spouses and families of the newly decorated officers: “My deepest thanks and gratitude on behalf of this grateful nation. The security is improving; the sacrifices you make will not be in vain.” Calling for tighter inter-service and inter-agency coordination, he directed: “Work together, compare notes, exchange your information effectively and follow up proactively, work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out.” He pledged sustained backing: “I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done.” President Tinubu decorated the new military chiefs to match their appointments: General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence; Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Air Marshal Kevin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. The changes, announced last Friday, form part of a strategic reset to refocus and strengthen national security. Shortly after his decoration, the Chief of Defense staff, General Oluyede reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ loyalty to the Constitution and the President, promising an intensified campaign to secure the country. “We will do our utmost to rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make our nation safer so socio-economic endeavours can flourish. We pledge our loyalty to Mr. President, and we will continue to support our flourishing democracy,” he said, while urging continued public support: “I thank all Nigerians for the support they have given the Armed Forces, and I expect that they give us more so we can make Nigeria safer.” Some of those in attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara/NGF Chair); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Umar Namadi (Jigawa); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; other ministers and senior military officers.
