President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs to confront emerging security threats with renewed determination, innovation, and courage, declaring that the nation cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to continue.

Speaking at the decoration ceremony for the new service chiefs held at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, President Tinubu congratulated the officers on their appointments and Senate confirmations, urging them to approach their duties with the highest level of dedication and patriotism.

He said the event marked the beginning of a renewed national effort to ensure peace and security across the country, noting that without security, development and good governance would remain unattainable.

“The government’s foremost duty is to protect its citizens. Our military has remained steadfast in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, reclaiming territories once held by terrorists and rescuing countless kidnapped citizens,” the President said.

While commending the armed forces for their sacrifices and patriotism, President Tinubu expressed concern over the rise of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. He urged the service chiefs to act decisively and prevent such threats from escalating.

“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.

The President directed the military leadership to deploy modern technology where necessary and adopt forward-looking strategies to stay ahead of those threatening national peace.

“Nigerians expect results, not excuses. Be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” he added.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the armed forces with the necessary support to deliver on their mandate, assuring them of his full backing as Commander-in-Chief.

He concluded by praying for the safety of Nigeria’s armed forces and the continued peace and unity of the nation.