President Bola Tinubu has charged the newly appointed service chiefs to bring an end to the lingering insecurity like Boko Haram that has plagued Nigeria since 2009, declaring that the country can no longer afford to let the crisis continue.
Speaking during the decoration ceremony of the new military chiefs at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu said their appointment signaled a renewed national commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of citizens.
“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. “Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless.”
Tinubu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices and achievements in reclaiming territories once under the control of terrorists and armed groups, noting that the military had rescued many kidnapped citizens and significantly weakened terror networks.
However, he warned that new threats were emerging in various parts of the country, especially the North-Central, North-West, and some southern regions. He urged the service chiefs to act swiftly and decisively to prevent the resurgence of insecurity.
“Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating,” Tinubu said. “Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups. 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.”
Charging the military leaders to adopt innovation, technology, and foresight in tackling insecurity, the President emphasized that Nigerians were looking for tangible results, not excuses.
“I charge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous,” he said. “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.”
President Tinubu assured the service chiefs of his full support and pledged to provide all necessary resources to enable them succeed in restoring lasting peace across the country.
“Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded. “May God continue to keep our armed forces safe.”