Speaking at their decoration ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu said the security situation confronting Nigeria has evolved over the years, stressing that the armed forces must be proactive and innovative in tackling emerging threats in different parts of the country.
Tinubu commended the military for past sacrifices, noting that soldiers reclaimed territories once under terrorist control and rescued many kidnapped citizens. However, he warned that new armed groups have surfaced across the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, saying they must be confronted immediately before the situation escalates.
He reminded the security chiefs of their responsibility to protect Nigerians, declaring that peace and development cannot thrive without safety and stability across the country.
Tinubu pledged full support for the armed forces and urged the top commanders to deploy technology, intelligence, and strategic foresight to suppress criminal elements. He called on them to act decisively, stressing that the nation can no longer allow the crisis that began in 2009 to continue.
The President wished them success as they take on their new responsibilities and prayed for the safety of Nigeria’s armed forces.
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1. I congratulate you on your appointment and subsequent confirmation by the Senate. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.
5. 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.
6. However, challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in 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.
7. 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.
8. I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer.
9. I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done.
10. Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to keep our armed forces safe.
