President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned the new Service Chiefs to work towards getting results and not bringing up excuses in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Giving the marching order, the president said: “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. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace.
“I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace, freedom and stability. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. It is time to defeat the enemies.
“I advise you to work together to exchange your information effectively and follow up proactively, work with other security agencies and 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.”
President Tinubu gave the charge Thursday at the decoration of the new Service Chiefs at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa Abuja.
According to the president, peace had returned to many areas previously under siege, countless kidnapped citizens rescued, and the government had significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.
While congratulating the security chiefs on their appointment, he said: “As your Commander-in-Chief, I am entrusting you with a tremendous responsibility—one that you must approach with the highest standards of commitment and dedication.”
Speaking further, Tinubu said: “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. Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task.
“Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless. There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance.
“The government’s foremost duty is to protect the citizens. Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the ultimate price for their service. In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, our gallant armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories.
“We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.”
“To General Shuaib (Chief of Army Staff), I understand you were injured, you have recuperated. I saw so many stories, clips online of Operation Hadin-Kai. All of you, working together as a team, have made the country proud.
“I thank our armed forces for their patriotism, diligence, and dedication to their duty. As your Commander-in-Chief, I sincerely appreciate your sacrifices, as I have repeatedly acknowledged and will continue to do so,” the president further said.
Notwithstanding the highlighted achievements, President Tinubu, however, said “challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the troublesome areas of North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. 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.”
…CDS Oluyede
On the presidential order, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede said: “We’re going to do our very best with the support of Mr President, the government and the good people of Nigeria, because for everybody, I believe security should be our business.
“And without the support of Nigerians, we hardly achieve anything. So I want to enjoin Nigerians of all ethnicities to please support us, and at the end of the day, I believe we make Nigeria safer. That’s our promise to you.”
The event witnessed the formal decoration of the new Service Chiefs with their new ranks, having been screened and confirmed by the Senate.
They had earlier been screened and confirmed by the National Assembly.
The new CDS, Lt.-General Oluyede, was decorated with the new rank of General, the Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Shaibu wears a new rank of Lt.-General, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Abbas is now Vice Admiral, while the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Aneke, now hangs the rank of Air Marshall.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General Emmanuel A. P. Undiendeye retained his position, and also elevated to the rank of Lt.-General.
…Attendees
The Service Chiefs were accompanied to the event by their spouses. The military chiefs drew applause from the audience when, after saluting the President, their Commander-in-Chief, they turned and saluted their wives.
The ceremony at the Council Chambers was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola.
Also present were the Governors of Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Ogun, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Didi Walson-Jack; Chairmen of Defence Committees in the National Assembly, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Babajimi Benson; Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Information and National Information Muhammed Idris, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu..
…Military chiefs assume command
Speaking during the handing over ceremony at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), CDS Oluyede reaffirmed his total commitment to the defence and security of Nigeria.
He said, “the nature of threats confronting our nation, ranging from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry, to emerging cyber, aerial, and maritime security threats, require us to be ever vigilant, innovative, and united.”
To this end, he said his leadership will be guided by the principles of professionalism, jointness, discipline, innovation and accountability.
While pledging to build on the achievements of his predecessor by strengthening synergy among the services and defence agencies, Oluyede said: “We shall also enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies.
“Our objective, which is to restore and sustain peace, stability, and national cohesion in every part of our dear country, remains incontestable.”
“Equally important is the welfare of our officers and men, which remains central to operational effectiveness.
“Under my leadership, the Defence Secretaries will continue to advocate for improved welfare, housing, medical support, and training opportunities for personnel and their families.
“We shall also invest in the moral and psychological well-being of our troops, ensuring that the sacrifices are recognised and rewarded.
“We will prioritise capacity-building, research, and technological innovation to enhance operational efficiency and strategic foresight. In doing so, we shall leverage the resources and intellect available across our defence institutions, as well as partnerships with local and international stakeholders. To our gallant soldiers, ratings airmen and airwomen, you remain the pride and backbone of our armed forces,” he said.
…COAS
Similarly, the Nigerian Army also witnessed a seamless transition of leadership Thursday as Lt.-General Shaibu formally assumed duty as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Taking over from Oluyede at the Army Headquarters Abuja, he pledged to consolidate and build on the remarkable legacies of his predecessor, while enhancing synergy among security agencies and government institutions to strengthen national security.
He promised to carefully review the current security situation and respond swiftly to evolving threats, emphasising his commitment to improving operational efficiency and troop morale.
“I salute the courage, passion, resilience and discipline of our troops in the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” he said.
Shaibu commended Oluyede for his outstanding leadership, mentorship and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.
He lauded his predecessor’s achievements, particularly in the areas of equipment procurement, infrastructural development and the “Soldier First” concept, which prioritized troop welfare and operational readiness.
…CAS
Also, Air Marshall Aneke commended the outgoing leader’s legacy of excellence and service to the nation.
He said under his leadership, the NAF would remain Willing, Able, and ready to safeguard the nation’s airspace, strengthen inter-service synergy, and deliver the security architecture vital to Nigeria’s peace, progress, and transformation.
The CAS pledged to build on established foundations, enhance force readiness, and ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains a disciplined, resilient, and mission-focused arm of national defence.
