President Bola Tinubu has formally decorated Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs, urging them to respond decisively to growing security challenges across the country.
At a brief ceremony inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Tinubu conferred new ranks on the military leaders who were appointed earlier this month.
General Olufemi Oluyede was decorated as Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Wahidi Shaibu became Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Idi Abbas assumed office as Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke was confirmed as Chief of Air Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiendeye, who retained his position, was promoted to Lieutenant General.
Addressing the officers, the President said Nigerians are eager to see improved security and called for results rather than excuses. He urged the commanders to embrace innovation, cooperation and technology in tackling violent groups operating across the country.
“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,” President Tinubu said, adding that the military must be “pre-emptive, courageous and patriotic” in restoring peace.
Nigeria continues to confront multiple security threats, including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and communal violence, with civilians bearing the brunt of years of instability.