President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s newly decorated service chiefs to intensify the fight against insecurity and decisively dismantle emerging armed groups, declaring that Nigerians are no longer interested in excuses but tangible results.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking at the decoration ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, the President said the new ranks symbolised a renewed phase in Nigeria’s security drive — one focused on restoring peace and protecting citizens.
“The emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West and parts of the South is of grave concern. 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,”
— President Tinubu said.
He acknowledged the Armed Forces’ recent successes in reclaiming occupied territories, rescuing abducted persons, and dismantling terror cells, but warned that fresh threats demanded renewed creativity, discipline, and aggression.
The President emphasised that security remained the foundation for national development and described the protection of lives and property as government’s “most sacred duty.”
Those decorated were: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Wahidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lt-Gen Emmanuel Undiendeye.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ loyalty to President Tinubu and commitment to ending terrorism, banditry, and other security threats nationwide.
“We remain resolute in our mission to secure every corner of this country. Nigerians can be assured of renewed vigour in ongoing operations,”
— Oluyede stated.
The service chiefs pledged to strengthen discipline, unity, and operational synergy across the military, while rebuilding public confidence in security institutions.
Ndume Urges Priority Welfare, First Line Funding for Armed Forces
Meanwhile, former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has called on the new military chiefs to prioritise personnel welfare and press for improved remuneration and sustainable funding.
Ndume, who chairs the Senate Committee on Army in the 9th Assembly, argued that the morale and efficiency of troops depended heavily on adequate support.
“I have identified four key pillars that would make our military formidable at all times — I call them TEAM: Training, Equipment, Ammunition and Motivation,”
— Ndume said.
He urged the Federal Government to place the military’s annual budget on First Line Charge, ensuring timely and non-discretionary releases.
“The military’s budget should not be subject to arbitrary release or political discretion. It must be prioritised and front-loaded to ensure efficiency in operations,”
— he added.
The lawmaker lamented Nigeria’s low pay structure for soldiers compared to other African countries, saying it undermines morale, recruitment, and retention.
“In Ghana, a private soldier earns about ₦180,000 monthly; in South Africa, about ₦250,000; Egypt, between ₦230,000 and ₦280,000; and in Kenya, ₦200,000 — excluding allowances. In Nigeria, a private soldier earns far less, despite higher risks and deployment,”
— Ndume noted.
Reps Confirm Service Chiefs as Private Security Group Pledges Support
The House of Representatives confirmed the appointment of the service chiefs after adopting the report of its Ad Hoc Committee on Screening of Service Chief Nominees, chaired by Hon. Babajimi Benson.
A private security outfit, The Guardian Corps (TG Corps), founded by former U.S. Army officer Michael Heavens (Commander Don), congratulated the appointees and pledged to support the government’s security agenda.
In a statement, TG Corps described the confirmation as “timely and strategic”, adding that the new leadership would strengthen national stability, inter-agency cooperation, and citizen vigilance against emerging threats.
The Corps also commended the outgoing service chiefs for their “distinguished service, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication” to national unity and peace.
