President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly appointed service chiefs to confront and resolve the security challenges that have troubled Nigeria since 2009.
Speaking during their decoration ceremony at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu urged the heads of the Armed Forces to perform their duties with patriotic zeal and deliver tangible results rather than excuses.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu emphasized that security remains the foundation for national development, noting that peace must be restored across the country to ensure progress. He commended the military for its sacrifices and efforts in reclaiming territories previously occupied by terrorists, rescuing abducted citizens, and reducing the operational capacity of armed groups.
However, the President expressed concern over the emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, warning that such threats must be swiftly eliminated.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also urged the service chiefs to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous in addressing evolving security challenges, including the use of technology where necessary.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” he added.
The President assured the service chiefs of his administration’s full support, saying his government remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.