* President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The Pathfinder
Friday October 31, 2025
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed service chiefs to intensify efforts to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country, emphasising that Nigerians expect results, not excuses.
The President delivered this charge on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, following the decoration of the service chiefs with their new ranks.
He said, “We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. 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. Let us deploy technology where necessary,” the President said.
The ceremony held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola.
Also present were the Governors of Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Ogun, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of the Civil Service, Esther Didi Walson-Jack; Chairmen of Defence Committees in the National Assembly, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Babajimi Benson; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The service chiefs decorated with new ranks were: Chief of Defence Staff,Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Shaibu,Chief of Air Staff, AVM Sunday Aneke,Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Abbas
THE FULL TEXT
1. 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.
2. 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. Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task.
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.
3. 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.
4. We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.
5. I thank our armed forces for their patriotism, diligence, and dedication to their duty. As your Commander-in-Chief, I sincerely appreciate your sacrifices, as I have repeatedly acknowledged.
6. However, challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. 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. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.
7. 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.
8. I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer.
9. I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done.
10. Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to keep our armed forces safe.
Reactions.
Oluyede
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, saying that the Army under his leadership as Chief of Army Staff made significant strides in operations and administration.
Oluyede commended officers and soldiers for their loyalty, discipline, and courage, urging them to extend the same support to the new Chief of Army Staff.
“As I move to my next appointment, I urge you to give even greater loyalty and commitment to Maj.-Gen. Shaibu, who is a thoroughbred officer with exceptional experience,” he said.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the Nigerian Army’s capacity to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity, stressing that the goal of a secure and united Nigeria remained a collective responsibility.
Lt. General Shaibu.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Shaibu, said he will embark on an immediate review of the security landscape and deploy fresh strategies to “mitigate and ultimately defeat the threats facing the country. I am aware of the developing situation in some parts of our country, which has put law-abiding citizens in economic hardship, fear and displacement. These situations are not acceptable and need my urgent attention.”
Describing the prevailing security situation, which has forced citizens into fear, displacement and economic difficulty as unacceptable, Lt. Gen Shaibu said: “We obviously live in tough times, but I have no doubt that we are tough people too. I want to assure Mr President, our Commander-in-Chief, and Nigerians that we shall not disappoint the nation.”
Shaibu commended his predecessor, Lt. Gen Oluyede for improvements in equipment procurement, infrastructure upgrades and leadership within the Army over the past 11 months, noting that his tenure witnessed remarkable improvements in equipment procurement, infrastructure, and troops’ welfare.
He pledged to build on those gains, transform the Army into a more agile and combat-ready force, and deepen collaboration with other security agencies, and deepen the “soldier-first” philosophy introduced by his predecessor while entrenching professionalism, discipline, and synergy with other security agencies.
We won’t disappoint our troops
To troops across various operational theatres, he said: “As someone who has been part of you for most of this fight, I feel you, I feel your families and we shall not disappoint you.”
He also honoured fallen soldiers, calling for a minute of silence and assuring that the Army will continue to support their families. It is a new dawn, and I believe we have a job to do.”
Navy under my watch will be decisive, disciplined, tech-driven – Abbas
On his part, the CNS, Rear Admiral Abbas pledged to lead a decisive, disciplined and technology-driven Nigerian Navy committed to securing the nation’s maritime domain and boosting the blue economy.
Abbas made the pledge while assuming command as the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff, yesterday.
“Our maritime environment remains threatened by crude oil theft, sea robbery, bunkering and drug trafficking. These crimes undermine our economy and national energy security. We will confront the threat to the economy, energy security decisively,” he said.
The Naval chief said his leadership will focus on strengthening maritime security, enhancing operational capability through fleet renewal and technology, improving personnel welfare, and fostering inter-agency and international collaboration.
He paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for laying a solid foundation for continued progress, describing his leadership as visionary and exemplary.
Abbas charged officers, ratings and civilian staff to re-dedicate themselves to the Navy’s core values of integrity, professionalism and teamwork, assuring that the Service under his command would remain professional, accountable and welfare-driven.
Leading from the front
“I promise to lead from the front, to listen, and to ensure that your welfare remains a top priority. With the support of the Commander-in-Chief and the solidarity of all Nigerians, we will steer the Nigerian Navy towards a more glorious future,” he said.
Aneke
We’ll leave no stone unturned — Aneke
In like manner, the new Chief of Air Staff, CAS, AVM Sunday Aneke, pledged to leave no stone unturned to bring about swift improvement in the nation’s security.
Aneke made the pledge in Abuja shortly after assuming command as the 23th Chief of the Air Staff from his predecessor, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, yesterday.
Describing his appointment as a call to national duty, he expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu and a commitment to prioritise the welfare of officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“My appointment as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff is both an honour and a humbling experience.
“I wish to specially thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, for the honour and rare privilege extended to me to serve Nigeria. I also pledge my loyalty and that of the Nigerian Air Force officers, airmen and airwomen to the government and people of Nigeria as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution,” he added.
The new Air Chief vowed to sustain and build on the achievements of his predecessor, particularly in ongoing operations against insurgency and other internal security threats.
“Together, we will leave no stone unturned in discharging our constitutional roles in conjunction with other sister services, security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to bring about swift improvement in the security situation of Nigeria,” he added.
Aneke also promised that personnel welfare will be a central priority under his leadership, noting that a motivated force is essential to achieving operational efficiency.
While acknowledging the support given his predecessor, Aneke appealed to the National Assembly to continue its collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, describing legislative backing as vital to the success of ongoing security operations.
Fourth appointment in 10 years
Tinubu’s latest appointments mark the fourth time service chiefs will be changed since the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC came to power in 2015.
On July 15, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed service chiefs to replace those he inherited and sacked on July 13, 2015.
The new appointments were Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin – Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General T.Y. Buratai – Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff; Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan – Chief of Defence Intelligence; and Major-General Babagana Monguno, retd – National Security Adviser.
On January 26, 2021, President Buhari accepted the immediate resignation of the service chiefs, and their retirement from service and made new appointments. The new service chiefs are Major-General LEO Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A. Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.
On coming on board, Tinubu also made his own appointments, which he has just reshuffled.
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