President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday charged Nigeria’s newly-decorated service chiefs to “smash emerging security threats” and end terrorism and banditry ravaging parts of the country, warning that Nigerians would no longer tolerate excuses from the military.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the decoration ceremony of the chiefs recently appointed and confirmed by the Senate, Tinubu said the nation must not allow fresh security challenges to fester.
“We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right on the head,” he said pointedly. “Nigerians expect results, not excuses. I charge you to be innovative, pre-emptive and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace.”
The President told the top military commanders that the era of prolonged insurgency and unchecked criminality was over, insisting they deploy technology and modern tactics to confront terrorists, bandits and other hostile groups across the country.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” Tinubu declared. “We must protect our people and defend this nation with patriotic zeal.”
Responding on behalf of the new military heads, General Olufemi Oluyede pledged absolute loyalty to the President, the constitution and Nigeria’s democracy, assuring that the armed forces would work tirelessly to restore peace, stabilize the economy and defend national sovereignty.
“We will give our best to end terrorism, criminality and all threats to Nigeria. We understand the expectations of Nigerians and we will not fail,” Oluyede vowed.
Wives of the service chiefs joined their husbands during the brief but symbolic ceremony held inside the Council Chamber. Attendees included Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila.
Tinubu appointed the service chiefs in October 2025. They met with the President shortly after their appointment and were subjected to a rigorous screening by the Senate on Wednesday, during which lawmakers grilled them on strategies for restructuring the armed forces and enhancing national security.
After a closed-door session lasting two hours, the Senate unanimously confirmed all the nominees.
Senate President Akpabio commended the President for the “careful selection,” saying the officers possess the required experience, discipline and credibility to reposition the nation’s security architecture.Tinubu Charges Newly-Decorated Service Chiefs: ‘Smash Emerging Threats, Nigerians Want Results’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday charged Nigeria’s newly-decorated service chiefs to “smash emerging security threats” and end terrorism and banditry ravaging parts of the country, warning that Nigerians would no longer tolerate excuses from the military.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the decoration ceremony of the chiefs recently appointed and confirmed by the Senate, Tinubu said the nation must not allow fresh security challenges to fester.
“We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right on the head,” he said pointedly. “Nigerians expect results, not excuses. I charge you to be innovative, pre-emptive and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace.”
The President told the top military commanders that the era of prolonged insurgency and unchecked criminality was over, insisting they deploy technology and modern tactics to confront terrorists, bandits and other hostile groups across the country.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” Tinubu declared. “We must protect our people and defend this nation with patriotic zeal.”
Responding on behalf of the new military heads, General Olufemi Oluyede pledged absolute loyalty to the President, the constitution and Nigeria’s democracy, assuring that the armed forces would work tirelessly to restore peace, stabilize the economy and defend national sovereignty.
“We will give our best to end terrorism, criminality and all threats to Nigeria. We understand the expectations of Nigerians and we will not fail,” Oluyede vowed.
Top Government Officials Attend Ceremony
Wives of the service chiefs joined their husbands during the brief but symbolic ceremony held inside the Council Chamber. Attendees included Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila.
Appointments, Screening
Tinubu appointed the service chiefs in October 2025. They met with the President shortly after their appointment and were subjected to a rigorous screening by the Senate on Wednesday, during which lawmakers grilled them on strategies for restructuring the armed forces and enhancing national security.
After a closed-door session lasting two hours, the Senate unanimously confirmed all the nominees.
Senate President Akpabio commended the President for the “careful selection,” saying the officers possess the required experience, discipline and credibility to reposition the nation’s security architecture.
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