President Bola Tinubu has charged the newly appointed service chiefs to demonstrate innovation, courage and patriotism in confronting terrorism and emerging security challenges across the country.
Speaking on Thursday at the decoration ceremony held at the State House in Abuja, the president said the event symbolized a renewed national commitment to achieving lasting peace and security.
“Today’s ceremony goes beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians,” Tinubu stated.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and acknowledged those who had laid down their lives in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“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,” he said.
The president commended the military for restoring relative peace in previously troubled regions and for rescuing kidnapped citizens, noting that their efforts had greatly weakened terrorist groups.
However, Tinubu cautioned that new security threats were emerging in parts of the North-Central, North-West and southern regions, and called for swift and decisive action.
“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,” he said.
