By SCM Staff Writer I Friday, Nov.01, 2025
ABUJA, – NIGERIA’S President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a fierce ultimatum at his new military brass, demanding they “smash the new snakes right at the head” and defeat the nation’s decade-long terror crisis.
In a no-holds-barred speech at the Presidential Villa yesterday, the tough-talking leader warned the newly decorated Service Chiefs that Nigerians demand “results, not excuses” in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and a surge of newly emerging armed gangs.
”We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer,” President Tinubu charged. “I urge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace.”
The President was unequivocal that the military must adapt to “evolving and mutating” threats, particularly the recent regrouping of armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South.
He told the top brass: “We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive.”
The high-stakes ceremony saw the new military leaders—including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede—formally decorated and given their orders in front of a gallery of top government officials.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and a host of powerful governors and ministers were all on hand to witness the dressing-down.
Tinubu did offer a nod to the military’s past courage, noting that many soldiers had “paid the supreme price” to defend the nation.
He praised previous successes, saying, “We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of terror groups.”
But his focus was firmly on the future, urging the chiefs to work as a unified ‘team’ and “compare notes, exchange information effectively” to eliminate the enemy once and for all.
”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 concluded.
General Oluyede responded on behalf of the chiefs, thanking the President for the confidence placed in them.
