President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed service chiefs to intensify military operations and ensure the total defeat of terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements across the country, declaring that Nigerians expect results, not excuses.

The President gave the directive on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the decoration ceremony of the service chiefs with their new ranks.

“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,” President Tinubu said.

He urged the officers to adopt innovative strategies and make effective use of technology in confronting evolving security threats.

“Security threats are constantly evolving and 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 threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head,” he stated.

The President assured the military of the Federal Government’s continued support, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to national security and the safety of all Nigerians.

He also commended the armed forces and their families for their sacrifices in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, noting that their efforts have significantly reduced the capacity of terror groups and restored peace to many previously troubled areas.

Tinubu further urged the service chiefs to maintain synergy, information sharing, and teamwork in executing their operations, emphasizing unity and collaboration among the security agencies.

“I advise you to work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange information effectively, and follow up proactively to ensure a seamless process. Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the newly decorated officers, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in them and pledged unwavering commitment to securing the country.

“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. I want to encourage Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us, and ultimately, we will make Nigeria a safer place. That’s our promise to you,” Oluyede stated.

Those decorated include General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (Chief of Air Staff).

The event, held at the Council Chambers, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; several governors, ministers, and senior government officials.

A highlight of the ceremony was the moment the newly decorated service chiefs, after saluting the President, turned to salute their spouses, drawing applause from guests.

— Describes process as sign of growing Executive–Legislative synergy

The Presidency has expressed deep satisfaction with the Senate’s swift and smooth confirmation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly appointed Service Chiefs, describing the process as a reflection of the growing cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature.

Reacting to the development just hours after the confirmation on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, commended the upper legislative chamber for conducting a seamless screening exercise and promptly approving the nominations.

In a personally signed statement, Senator Lado said the exercise was a product of close coordination between both arms of government, in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to effective governance and national security.

“As the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, I facilitated this crucial interface to ensure a smooth and coordinated engagement between the Executive and the Legislature, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to effective governance and national security,” he stated.

Lado described the confirmation of the new Service Chiefs as a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s defence system and enhance cooperation across the Armed Forces.

“The appointment of Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major Gen. Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), AVM Sunday K. Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff) represents a strategic step towards reinforcing Nigeria’s security architecture and protecting our nation’s sovereignty,” the presidential aide added.

He also lauded the leadership of the Senate, particularly Senate President Godswill Akpabio, for the diligence and speed demonstrated in the screening and confirmation process.

“Their commitment underscores the strong collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature in advancing the national interest and ensuring the security and stability of our dear nation,” Lado said.

The Senate had earlier on Wednesday confirmed the appointments of the Service Chiefs following a comprehensive screening session held behind closed doors at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed the appointments of the new service chiefs nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a two-hour closed-door screening held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

During the session, senators engaged the nominees in rigorous questioning, focusing on their strategies for tackling Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, reforming the armed forces, and improving inter-agency coordination in counterterrorism and intelligence operations.

After deliberations, the upper legislative chamber confirmed all five nominees, marking a key step in the administration’s ongoing effort to strengthen national security and enhance military professionalism.

Those confirmed include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, commended the nominees for their track record of service and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering decisive results in the fight against insecurity.

He emphasized the Senate’s commitment to working with the new military leadership to ensure stability, peace, and the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

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