Tinubu tasks service chiefs to crush terrorists, bandits
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Tinubu has charged the newly appointed service chiefs to intensify military operations aimed at defeating terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality across the country, insisting that Nigerians expect results, not excuses.
The President gave the directive on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the decoration of the service chiefs with their new ranks.
He urged the military hierarchy to act decisively and end the lingering security crisis that has afflicted the nation since 2009, stressing that the time for excuses was over.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. 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 said.
Tinubu urged the security chiefs to be proactive, innovative, and courageous in confronting emerging threats, noting that new armed groups had begun to spring up in parts of the North-Central, North-West, and South.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head,” he added.
He assured the armed forces of his administration’s full support, reiterating that the protection of lives and property remained a top priority for national development.
According to him, the military has made significant progress in restoring peace to areas once under siege, rescuing kidnapped victims, and reducing the capacity of terror groups.
“There were times when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land; this is no longer the case,” he said.
Tinubu commended the armed forces for their sacrifices and urged greater inter-service collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordination in ongoing operations.
“I advise you to work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange information effectively, and follow up proactively to ensure a seamless process. Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, pledged their commitment to ensuring national security and stability.
He appealed for public support in the fight against insecurity, stressing that the success of the military operations depended on cooperation from Nigerians.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. I want to encourage Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us, and ultimately, we will make Nigeria a safer place,” he said.
The newly decorated service chiefs include the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
The event was attended by top government officials, governors, members of the National Assembly, and senior military officers.
