Tinubu Decorates New Service Chiefs, Tasks Them to ‘Smash New Security Threats’

By Zainab Bakare

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially decorated the newly appointed service chiefs with their new ranks at a brief but symbolic ceremony inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Those decorated include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Undiendeye, who was retained in office, was also elevated in rank.The President, joined by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the officers’ spouses, performed the decoration amid applause from dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.

Tinubu charged the new military chiefs to confront emerging security threats head-on, declaring, “New snakes must be smashed right in the head before they grow.”

He emphasized that their appointment marks a renewed phase in Nigeria’s quest for lasting peace and security, saying, “Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task. Our people must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance.”

The President urged them to be “innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous,” and to embrace technology and teamwork in the fight against insurgency and banditry.

Responding on behalf of the service chiefs, General Olufemi Oluyede pledged total loyalty to the President and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace and prosperity. “We will confront terrorism and criminality head-on to make our nation safer and stronger,” he assured.

The ceremony followed the Senate’s confirmation of the nominees after a two-hour closed-door screening on Wednesday.