President Bola Tinubu on Thursday decorated the newly appointed service chiefs with their new ranks, urging them to discharge their duties with courage, innovation, and patriotic zeal.
The brief but solemn ceremony was held inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with top government officials, lawmakers, and family members of the officers in attendance.
Those decorated include the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen Wahidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant Gen Emmanuel Undiandeye, who was retained by the President, was also elevated to his new rank.
Addressing the newly promoted military leaders, President Tinubu reminded them that Nigerians were eager for peace and stability, stressing that excuses would no longer be tolerated.
"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. Nigerians expect results, not excuses. Be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Deploy technology where necessary, and end the crisis that began in 2009 once and for all," he said.
Tinubu called for stronger collaboration among the service chiefs and other security agencies, stressing the use of intelligence and modern technology in combating insurgency and organised crime.
Speaking on behalf of the service chiefs, Gen Olufemi Oluyede pledged their total loyalty to the President and commitment to defending the nation against all forms of insecurity.
"We assure you, Mr President, of our loyalty and readiness to restore lasting peace across the country. We will work tirelessly to ensure the safety of Nigerians and create the right environment for economic growth," Oluyede said.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.
Wives of the new service chiefs were also present to assist in the decoration of their husbands.
The President had appointed the new service chiefs earlier in October 2025, following the retirement of their predecessors.
They were screened and confirmed by the Senate after a two-hour closed-door session, during which senators quizzed them on their strategies for strengthening national security and reforming the armed forces.
Senate President Akpabio, after the confirmation, commended the President’s choices, describing the appointees as officers of proven competence and integrity, capable of repositioning Nigeria’s military for greater efficiency.
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