*CDS Vows Decisive Action, Renewed Vigour In Ongoing Operations
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has charged the newly decorated Service Chiefs to rev up the fight against insecurity and decisively dismantle emerging armed groups across the country, declaring that Nigerians are no longer interested in excuses, but concrete results.
Tinubu stressed that while the Armed Forces have made notable gains, reclaiming previously occupied territories, rescuing abducted Nigerians and degrading terror cells, fresh security threats demand renewed resolve, creativity and an aggressive posture.
Speaking on Thursday, October 30, during the decoration ceremony of the new service chiefs, held at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu explained that their elevation marks not just a change of rank, but also the start of a renewed national security push to restore peace and safeguard Nigerians.
According to him: “The emergence of new armed groups in the North Central, Northwest and parts of the South is of grave concern. 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.”
While stressing that no meaningful development can take place without security, the President said protection of Nigerians remained government’s most sacred duty, adding: “Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless.
“Peace and stability are prerequisites for Nigeria’s social and economic aspirations.”
He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the military in preserving the country’s territorial integrity, noting that many officers and men paid the supreme price in the battle against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
But he stated that the evolving security landscape requires the new service chiefs to think beyond traditional frameworks, urging them to employ technology, leverage intelligence and adopt a pre-emptive strategy to suppress threats before they blossom.
He said the country cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer, saying the expectations of Nigerians extend beyond battlefield victories; hence called for professionalism, improved coordination among security agencies and leadership defined by patriotism, courage, discipline and vigilance.
He assured the service chiefs of his full support, pledging to provide the resources necessary to enable an effective security response and all the support they need to get the job done, even as he urged them to justify the trust placed in them by delivering a safer nation.
Speaking on behalf of the service chiefs, Oluyede thanked Nigerians for their continued support, urging deeper cooperation as the military intensifies operations across the country.
He assured that under his leadership, the Armed Forces would deploy all necessary capabilities to deliver a safer environment for socio-economic activities to thrive, noting: “We will do our utmost to rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make the country safer for socio-economic endeavours to flourish.”
He reaffirmed the loyalty of the Armed Forces to the President and Commander-in-Chief, and their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, adding: “We pledge our loyalty to Mr. President and will continue to support this flourishing democracy and all government aspirations aimed at making Nigeria better.”
The CDS promised decisive action and renewed vigour in ongoing security operations, stressing that terrorism must be brought to an end, noting: “With the support of Mr. President, the government and the good people of Nigeria, we will do our very best to make Nigeria safer.
“Security is a collective responsibility and without Nigerians’ support, we can hardly achieve much.
“I enjoin Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us. In the end, I believe we will make Nigeria safer. That is our promise.”
With the ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is now Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Wahidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt-Gen. Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiendeye.
Recall the the service chief were screened and confirmed on Wednesday, October 29, by the Senate.
