Cynthia Ezegwu
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly decorated service chiefs to act decisively against emerging security threats across the country, warning that “new snakes must be smashed right in the head before they grow.”
Speaking at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, where the four top military officers were decorated with their new ranks, the President said their appointment marked the beginning of a renewed effort to ensure peace and stability in Nigeria.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task. Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance.”
The newly decorated service chiefs are General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shuaib (Chief of Army Staff), Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff).
The event, attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, senior government officials, and the officers’ spouses, came a day after the Senate confirmed the nominees following a closed-door screening session.
Commending the officers for their service and sacrifices, Tinubu made particular reference to General Shuaib, who sustained injuries during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
“To General Shuaib, I understand you were injured; you recuperated. I saw many stories and clips online of Operation Hadin-Kai. All of you, working together as a team, have made the country proud,” the President said.
While praising the military for reclaiming territories previously held by terrorists and rescuing several victims of abductions, Tinubu stressed that the fight for peace must continue until security is fully restored across all regions.
“However, challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating,” he said.
“Of grave concern is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these threats to fester.”
The President urged the new military chiefs to be proactive, innovative, and decisive in confronting these challenges.
“Let us smash the new snakes right in the head. Nigerians expect results, not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace,” he declared.
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Tinubu encouraged the service chiefs to adopt intelligence-led and technology-driven operations while enhancing coordination and collaboration among security agencies.
“Be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. 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.
He further emphasised the need for effective information sharing and synergy across the security architecture.
“Work with other security agencies to defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” Tinubu assured.
Reaffirming the military’s role as the “shield of the nation,” the President urged the officers to uphold discipline, patriotism, and professionalism while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.