President Bola Tinubu has asked the nation’s security chiefs to ensure a conclusive victory against the myriad of security threats assailing the country.
Ajuri Ngelale, a presidential spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
Addressing security chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies at a Presidential Security Briefing at the State House in Abuja on Friday, President Tinubu said while good progress is being made with the elimination of some security threats across multiple theatres, success will ultimately be defined by a 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 firmly stated.
The President emphasised that the armed forces must deliver on their objective to ensure the nation achieves a sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day 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, the Commander of the Brigade of Guards, and his Chief Personal Security Officer for their dedication and commitment in the discharge of their assignments, which earned them a promotion.
The commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, was promoted to the new rank of Air Vice Marshal in the Nigerian Air Force, while the commander of the Brigade of Guards, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, was promoted from Colonel to the rank of Brigadier-General. The President’s Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Musa Shugaba, is now a Deputy Commissioner of Police after being promoted from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police. 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 recognise your service to Motherland,” the President concluded.
The newly promoted officers were decorated by the President, who was assisted by Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, respectively, in the presence of the spouses of the elevated officers.
The event was witnessed by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, the service chiefs, heads of intelligence agencies, and presidential aides.
