President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly appointed service chiefs to end the security challenges that have troubled Nigeria since 2009, warning that the nation cannot afford to let the crisis continue.
The President gave the charge at the State House, Abuja, during the official decoration of the service chiefs following their confirmation by the Senate. Those decorated include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
Tinubu said the decoration ceremony was not just symbolic but marked a renewed commitment by his administration to restore lasting peace and security across the country.
He told the top military officers that their appointments came with huge responsibility, one that must be carried out with utmost commitment, courage, and patriotism.
“Today’s ceremony is beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians,” the President said. “Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task.”
Tinubu reminded the officers that the foremost duty of government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. He commended the armed forces for their sacrifices over the years, noting that many officers had paid the ultimate price defending the country.
He said that though the military had made progress by reclaiming territories once held by terrorists and rescuing kidnapped citizens, much work still needs to be done to completely secure the nation.
“We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups,” Tinubu noted. “However, challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating.”
The President highlighted that Nigerians were tired of excuses and wanted to see concrete results.
“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” he declared.
Tinubu expressed concern over the rise of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, warning that these emerging threats must be crushed before they spread further.
“Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups,” he said. “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.”
He urged the service chiefs to be innovative and proactive in their operations, stressing the importance of using technology and intelligence to stay ahead of enemies of the state.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” Tinubu warned. “Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary.”
The President assured the armed forces of his administration’s full support, promising to provide all necessary resources to enable them to carry out their duties effectively.
Since 2009, Nigeria has faced serious security challenges, beginning with the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, which has since spread to other regions in various forms — banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder conflicts. Despite several military operations and government initiatives, insecurity remains one of the country’s most pressing problems.
Tinubu’s comments reflect growing public frustration over persistent violence and insecurity across the country. His administration, which came into office in May 2023, has repeatedly promised to make security a top priority.
The President’s latest directive signals a push for fresh strategies and stronger coordination among the armed forces to confront the evolving nature of insecurity in Nigeria.
He ended his speech with a message of encouragement and faith in the military’s ability to deliver results.
“I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” Tinubu said. “May God continue to keep our armed forces safe, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
