President Bola Tinubu has asked the nation’s security chiefs to ensure that there is conclusive victory against the myriad of security threats assailing the country.
Addressing security chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies at a Presidential Security Briefing at the State House, in Abuja, on Friday, President Tinubu said that, while good progress is being made with the elimination of some security threats across multiple theatres, success would ultimately 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”, the President stated.
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 warned.
The President 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, which has earned them a promotion.
The officers decorated with their new ranks are the PAF Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olayinka Olusola Oyesola; BOG Commander, Brigadier-General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya; and Police CPSO, Deputy Commissioner Usman Musa Shugaba.
President Tinubu said he was very 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 recognize your service to motherland”.
The newly promoted officers were decorated by the President who was assisted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja; and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, in the presence of the spouses of the elevated officers.
Also in attendance were the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle; service chiefs; Heads of Intelligence Agencies; and presidential aides.
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.
