President Bola Tinubu has asked the nation’s security chiefs to ensure that there is conclusive victory against the various security threats confronting the country.
He gave the task while addressing the security chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies at a Presidential Security Briefing at the State House on Friday in Abuja.
The president said while good progress was being made with the elimination of some security threats across multiple theatres, success would be defined by a final conclusion to the multi-dimensional menace.
“We have too many investments that we need to make now in soft and physical infrastructure, in social security, in MSME empowerment, and other growth enablers. We are pursuing a $1 trillion economy in the next few years, and our efforts will be undermined if we do not finally wrap up our progressive onslaught against enemies of progress. Be encouraged.
“The confidence of our people in your capacity is rising, and they are appreciative of the sacrifices of our men and women. The success you are recording is undeniable. Nigerians are seeing it, but the avoidable errors, as witnessed recently in Kaduna, are unacceptable and cannot be repeated.
“I am pleased that coordination between all agencies has dramatically improved over recent months, but there is no room for celebrations until we can end this; until we can bring our troops back to their own localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme,” Tinubu charged.
He emphasised that the armed forces must deliver on his objective to ensure the nation achieves a sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day, including condensates, within the first quarter of 2024.
“I do not play with my intelligence reports. I have multiple lines of sight. The Navy and sister branches must step up their game to achieve our aims for the benefit of all Nigerians. All malign actors will be aggressively uprooted from our midst.
“Those working against the national agenda from within and without will meet justice. Your task is clear. We will sustain our momentum. Failure is not an option under my leadership,” the president declared.
He also commended the Commander of the Presidential Air fleet (PAF), the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), and his Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO) for their dedication and commitment in the discharge of their assignments.
The president gave the commendation while decorating his security aides at the State House also on Friday.
Those decorated are the PAF Commander, Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, promoted to Air Vice Marshal; Commander, BoG, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, who is promoted from Colonel to the rank of Brigadier-General; and the Police CPSO, Usman Musa Shugaba, who is now a Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Tinubu said he was impressed by the officers’ “loyalty and dedication to duty”.
“Nigeria calls all to serve. We are the servants of the country, not the masters as you have seen. Your stewardship as leaders in your various categories is reflected in the assignments and responsibilities you have undertaken.
“I hope that Nigeria will continue to recognise your service to motherland,” the president said.
The newly promoted officers were decorated by the President who was assisted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, respectively, in the presence of the spouses of the elevated officers.
The event was witnessed by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; the service chiefs; heads of intelligence agencies and presidential aides.
Responding on behalf of the officers, AVM Olayinka thanked the president for the promotion of the officers and for the privilege to be of service to the nation.
He assured the Commander-in-Chief of their continued loyalty and commitment to duty.
