Worried by the untamed 16-year-old insurgency and banditry across the country, President Bola Tinubu has given a marching order to the newly appointed service chiefs to crush them.
Of grave concern to the Tinubu administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South which he called “new snakes.”
“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.
“Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer.
“I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,”
Tinubu said at the decoration of the service chiefs with their respective ranks at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the spouses of the decorated officers, and other top government officials.
President Tinubu noted the critical role of the military in ensuring national security, saying:”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,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
While thanking the armed forces for their patriotism, diligence, and dedication to their duty, Tinubu said as the Commander-in-Chief, he appreciated their sacrifices that has been repeatedly acknowledged.
“However, challenges remain. 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 charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace,” Persecondnews quotes the president as saying.
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