By Obasola Olatunde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the newly appointed service chiefs to act decisively against emerging security threats across the country, particularly in the North Central, North West, and parts of the South, warning that the government would not allow new armed groups to take root.
Speaking during the decoration ceremony of the top military officers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, Tinubu urged the nation’s security leadership to be proactive, results-driven, and uncompromising in restoring peace.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the emergence of new armed groups in troubled areas. We must not allow these new threats to fester we must smash the new snakes right in the head,” the president declared.
Tinubu emphasized that Nigerians are “in a hurry to celebrate peace”, adding that excuses would no longer be tolerated in the fight against insecurity.
“I charge you, as heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” he said.
The event followed last week’s major shake up in the nation’s security architecture, which saw the elevation of senior officers to lead the armed forces.
Those decorated includes General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal Kevin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff
The president’s charge marks a renewed push for a coordinated national security response amid rising criminal activities and the emergence of new violent groups in various regions.