Tinubu to New Service Chiefs: Deliver Results, Not Excuses — Nigeria Is in a Hurry to Celebrate Peace

President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs to deliver tangible results in tackling insecurity, warning that excuses will no longer be tolerated as the nation urgently seeks peace.

Speaking at the official decoration ceremony for the new military heads at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu urged them to confront emerging security threats decisively, describing the resurgence of armed groups in parts of the North-Central, North-West, and South as “new snakes” that must be crushed immediately.

“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,” the President declared.

Tinubu commended the armed forces for their past efforts in reclaiming occupied territories and rescuing kidnapped citizens but stressed that the security situation remains dynamic and demands innovative responses.

“Challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Nigerians expect results, not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace,” he said.

He reminded the service chiefs that peace and security are the foundation of national development, saying:

“Security is essential — without it, every other achievement is meaningless. The foremost duty of government is to protect its citizens.”

Congratulating them on their Senate confirmation, Tinubu said each officer was carefully selected for their dedication and experience. He assured that his administration would provide full support but emphasized that success rests on their collective leadership, teamwork, and innovation.

Among those decorated were General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), and Air Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff (CAS). Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye was confirmed as Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and other top government officials.

Responding to the President’s charge, General Oluyede pledged the full commitment of the armed forces to restore peace nationwide.

“We are going to do our very best with the support of Mr. President, the government, and all Nigerians. Security is everyone’s business, and together we will make Nigeria safer,” he assured.

Lt. General Shaibu, the new Army Chief, said he would review the security landscape and deploy new strategies to tackle insecurity head-on.

“We live in tough times, but we are tough people. I assure the President and Nigerians that we will not disappoint,” he said, promising to build a more agile and professional army.

Similarly, Vice Admiral Abbas pledged to lead a decisive, disciplined, and technology-driven Navy focused on safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment and economy.

“Our maritime domain remains threatened by oil theft, sea robbery, and trafficking. We will confront these threats decisively,” he stated.

Air Marshal Aneke also vowed to “leave no stone unturned” in improving national security, pledging loyalty to the President and welfare for Air Force personnel.

“Together, we will ensure swift improvements in Nigeria’s security and uphold our constitutional duty with courage and professionalism,” he affirmed.

Tinubu’s latest appointments mark the fourth major reshuffle of Nigeria’s service chiefs since 2015, reflecting ongoing efforts to adapt the nation’s security architecture to emerging threats.

Opinion Nigeria News