President Bola Tinubu has issued a direct and forceful command to Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs, telling them to “smash the new snakes right in the head” as the nation confronts evolving security threats.
Speaking at a formal decoration ceremony at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, the President delivered a stark assessment of the country’s security situation, acknowledging progress while demanding decisive action against emerging armed groups.
“Today’s ceremony is beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians”, President Tinubu told the military chiefs.
In his most striking remarks, the President addressed the recent emergence of new security challenges, particularly in the North-Central, North-West and some southern regions. “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 warned.
The President expressed serious concern about security dynamics in these regions, where communal violence, kidnapping gangs and other criminal elements have proliferated.
While acknowledging the military’s successes in reclaiming territories previously held by terrorists and diminishing the capacity of terror groups, Tinubu made clear that current performance falls short of expectations. “Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” he stated bluntly.
The President specifically referenced the protracted nature of Nigeria’s security crisis, which began with the Boko Haram insurgency in 2009. “We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” he declared, signalling his administration’s determination to break what has become a 16-year cycle of violence.
Tinubu called for innovation in military strategy, urging the service chiefs to be “innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous” in their approach. “Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace,” he advised. “Let us deploy technology where necessary.”
The ceremony came a day after the Nigerian Senate confirmed the President’s nominations for the top security positions in August. The new appointments represent Tinubu’s effort to reshape the nation’s security architecture amid persistent challenges.
The newly decorated officers include Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
President Tinubu praised the armed forces for their patriotism and sacrifice, noting that many soldiers had “paid the ultimate price” in defence of the nation’s territorial integrity. “As your Commander-in-Chief, I sincerely appreciate your sacrifices,” he said.
However, he emphasised that security remains the fundamental requirement for national development. “Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless,” the President stated. “Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance.”
President Tinubu concluded with a promise of full support to the new security chiefs, saying he would “provide all the support you need to get the job done.”
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