Tinubu to Service Chiefs: No More Excuses in Fight Against Terrorists, Bandits
By admin October 31st, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to the nation’s newly decorated service chiefs, charging them to redouble efforts to end terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across Nigeria.
Speaking during a decoration ceremony at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, the President declared that Nigerians expect results, not excuses, from the leadership of the armed forces.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” Tinubu said. “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. I also urge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace.”
The ceremony, held inside the Council Chambers, was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; and several governors and top government officials.
Among those present were the Governors of Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, alongside key members of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly’s Defence Committees.
New Threats, New Resolve
President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the emergence of new armed groups in parts of the North-Central, North-West, and South, warning that such threats must be crushed before they gain ground.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating,” he said. “We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head.”
He assured the military of the Federal Government’s full support, reiterating that the safety and security of Nigerians remain paramount to his administration’s agenda.
The President also commended the gallantry of officers and soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation, promising that their sacrifices “will not be in vain.”
“There were times when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land; this is no longer the case,” he noted. “We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege and rescued countless kidnapped citizens.”
Call for Synergy
Tinubu urged the service chiefs to work as a unified team, exchange intelligence seamlessly, and collaborate effectively with other security agencies.
“Work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange information effectively, and follow up proactively. We need to clean them up, clear them out. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” he said.
Military Pledges Commitment
Responding on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the President for his confidence in the military leadership and pledged renewed commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything,” General Oluyede said. “We encourage Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us, and ultimately, we will make Nigeria a safer place. That’s our promise to you.”
The newly decorated service chiefs are General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (Chief of Air Staff).
The ceremony ended on a lighter note when, after saluting the President, the service chiefs turned to salute their spouses, drawing applause from guests in the hall.
