Be Proactive And Get Result, Tinubu Orders Service Chiefs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday decorated the Service chiefs with their new ranks, giving them an order to ‘’flush out’’ terrorists and other non-state actors in all zones of the country.

‘’It is time to defeat the enemies. Clear them off; clear them out. ‘Nigerians need results, not excuses,’ the President told them.

Tinubu gave them tips on how they could effortlessly achieve the task. ‘’Be preemptive, innovative and courageous,’’ he challenged them.

The President said even with the “recent emergence of new armed groups,’’ Nigeria can no longer allow the insecurity that began to worsen in 2009 to continue.

‘’We are in a hurry to celebrate peace, ’’ he said, describing security as an essential element without which everything is rendered meaningless.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Olufemi Oluyede became a four-star general while the Service chiefs were elevated to three-star generals. The Chief of Defence Intelligence also became a three-star general.

Upgraded are: Gen. Oluyede; Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff); Air Marshall Kevin Aneke (Chief of Air Staff) and Vice-Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff) and Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence)

The President received assurances from Gen. Oluyede, who spoke on behalf of others, of the military’s readiness to deliver on the task, defend the Constitution and protect the nation’s democracy.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Akpabio, House of Representatives’ Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, witnessed the ceremony.

Other top government functionaries at the event, held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, were Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara); Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Umar Namadi (Jigawa) and senior military officers.

President Tinubu said for the war against insecurity to become a thing of the past, the military must change its direction by deploying technology and superior joint planning to “defeat the enemies.”

“I charge you also to be innovative, preemptive, 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,” he said.

Tinubu said the ceremony “is beyond symbolism of decoration,” describing it as “the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians.”

Stressing the essence of peace in driving development, the President said: “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 benefit of governance and democracy.”

While saluting the military’s sacrifices and past gains, Tinubu warned that threats are mutating, with the “recent emergence of new armed groups in the troublesome areas of Northcentral, Northwest, and parts of the South.”

He directed the military high command to be decisive and proactive: “We must not allow these new threats to fester… Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”

The President hailed troops for reclaiming once-occupied territories: “In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, that time is over.

“You… rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories, ‘’thank you for the rescue mission. Those areas previously under siege have been rescued, countless kidnapped citizens [freed], and you have significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.”

Tinubu paid tribute to fallen heroes and thanked their families, assuring them that their “sacrifices will not be in vain.”

He also appreciated the spouses and families of the newly decorated officers, “my deepest thanks and gratitude to you all on behalf of this grateful nation. The security is improving; the sacrifices you make will not be in vain.”

Calling for tighter inter-service and inter-agency coordination, the President directed them to “work together, compare notes, exchange information effectively and follow up proactively.’’

He added that they must ‘’work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all.’’

CDS Oluyede: we’ll defend Nigeria’s democracy

The military has promised not only to defend democracy but also to intensify efforts to secure the country.

‘’We pledge our loyalty to Mr. President, and we will continue to support our flourishing democracy,’’ said CDS Oluyede shortly after taking over the mantle of leadership from his predecessor, Gen. Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

Gen. Oluyede also assured Nigerians that the military would rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make our nation safer so that socio-economic endeavours can flourish.’’

Thanking Nigerians for ‘’the support they have given the Armed Forces,’’ he said: ‘’I expect that they give us more so we can make Nigeria safer.”

Oluyede added that the military, under his leadership, would be guided by the core principles of professionalism, collaboration, discipline, innovation, and accountability, while fostering stronger synergy among the services and defence agencies.

The CDS noted that the complex and evolving nature of threats confronting our nation demanded that we remain vigilant, innovative, and united.

“My leadership will, therefore, be guided by the principles of professionalism, discipline, innovation, and accountability,” he said.

Oluyede pledged to enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies, emphasising that their objective of restoring and sustaining peace, stability, and national cohesion in every part of our country remained incontestable.

“Equally important is the welfare of our officers and men, which remains central to operational effectiveness,” he said.

Immediate past CDS, Gen.Musa, described his tenure as challenging yet rewarding.

Gen. Musa lauded the media for being dependable in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.

COAS promises deployment of new strategies

At the Army Headquarters, also in Abuja, the new COAS, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu promised decisive action to curb insecurity in the country.

Gen. Shaibu described the security situation, which has led to the displacement of some Nigerians, as unacceptable.

“We obviously live in tough times, but I do not doubt that we are tough people too.

“I am aware of the developing situation in some parts of our country, which has put law-abiding citizens in economic hardship, fear and displacement. These situations are not acceptable and need my urgent attention,” he said after taking over.

‘How maritime security will be strengthened’

CNS, Vice Admiral Abbas, pledged to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes undermining Nigeria’s economy.

“I am not unaware that our maritime environment remains threatened by a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking,’’ he said after assuming his new office at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

The Naval chief said he would enhance fleet capability through aggressive fleet renewal and increased deployment of technology, prioritise personnel training and welfare, and deepen collaboration with other security agencies.

Describing his appointment as a privilege, Vice Admiral Abbas vowed to discharge his duties with dedication, integrity and loyalty.

Improvement in security imminent, CAS assures Nigerians

CAS Air Marshall Aneke vowed to leave no stone unturned to bring about swift improvement in the nation’s security.

Aneke, who is the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, took over from his predecessor, Air Marshall Hasan Abubaker, during a brief ceremony at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters.

The CAS described his appointment as a call to duty, pledging his loyalty to President Tinubu and a commitment to prioritise the welfare of officers, airmen and airwomen of the Air Force.

“I also pledge my loyalty and that of the Nigerian Air Force officers, airmen and airwomen to the government and people of Nigeria as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution,” Air Marshall Aneke said.

He appealed to the National Assembly to continue its collaboration with the

Air Force, describing legislative backing as vital to the success of ongoing security operations.