President Bola Tinubu has officially decorated Nigeria’s newly appointed Service Chiefs with their new ranks, marking the beginning of what he called a renewed national effort to strengthen peace and security across the country.
The decoration ceremony took place on Thursday at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, shortly after the House of Representatives confirmed their appointments. The Senate had earlier endorsed the Service Chiefs on Wednesday.
Newly Decorated Military Chiefs and Their Ranks
The new military leaders and their official ranks are:
- General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
- Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI)
- Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
- Air Vice Marshal Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)
- Rear Admiral Sunday Aneke – Chief of Air Staff (CAS)
These top officers will now lead Nigeria’s armed forces in tackling the country’s evolving security challenges.
Tinubu Charges Military Chiefs to Tackle Insecurity Head-On
In his address, President Tinubu congratulated the newly decorated officers and urged them to intensify efforts to end insecurity and restore lasting peace nationwide.
“This ceremony goes beyond the symbolism of decoration,” Tinubu said. “It marks the beginning of a renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians.”
The President emphasized that the Service Chiefs were carefully chosen for their integrity, competence, and courage, stressing that the task ahead demanded “the highest standards of commitment and dedication.”
“Security is the foundation of development,” Tinubu stated. “There cannot be sufficient progress if people do not feel safe in their homes and communities.”
Tinubu commended the military for reclaiming territories from insurgents, rescuing kidnapped victims, and maintaining national stability.
He made special reference to the Chief of Army Staff, General Waidi Shaibu, acknowledging his resilience after sustaining injuries in previous operations.
“To General Shaibu, I understand you were injured and recovered. Your courage and sacrifice, along with your team’s, have made the nation proud,” the President said.
However, Tinubu cautioned that the fight against insecurity was far from over, describing emerging threats from new armed groups across different regions as “a matter of grave concern.”
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating,” he warned. “We must be proactive and decisive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”
Tinubu Calls for Unity and Innovation in the Security Sector
The President directed the new military leadership to improve coordination among security agencies, strengthen intelligence sharing, and embrace technology-driven warfare.
“Work together and exchange information effectively. Collaborate with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all,” Tinubu urged.
He stressed that Nigerians expect results, not excuses. “We are in a hurry to celebrate peace,” he added, promising the military full government support and resources to execute their duties effectively.
“Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to keep our armed forces safe,” the President concluded.
Before his decoration, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Nigerian people for their trust and continued support.
He pledged that under his leadership, the armed forces would intensify military operations against terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminality to create a safer environment for socio-economic growth.
After the ceremony, General Oluyede reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the President’s directive to end insecurity.
“We will do everything possible to make Nigeria more secure,” he said. “Our success depends on public cooperation. Without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything.”
He also called for unity between citizens and security agencies, emphasizing that national security is a collective responsibility.
