President Bola Tinubu, told the new service chiefs, who assumed office yesterday and promise to fight insecurity, that what is expected of them are results and not excuses as the country is in a hurry to celebrate peace.
Ordering them to smash new armed groups he described as new snakes in troublesome areas of the North-Central, North-West, and some parts of the South, the president said: “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.”
President Tinubu stated these at the decoration of the new service chiefs at the Council Chamber in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said that the government has restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of terror groups, but noted that the issue of security challenges remains and “security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating.”
Congratulating them on their appointment and confirmation by the Senate, Tinubu 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.”
On the significance of the decoration, the President 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 recuperated. I saw so many stories, clips online of Operation Hadin Kai. All of you, working together as a team, has 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.”
He said despite the achievement recorded, insecurity still persists.
“However, challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving and constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the troublesome areas of the 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.
