• We’ll rid Nigeria of criminality, CDS vows
• Ndume seeks first-line charge for military budget
• Reps confirm appointment as security outfit pledges support
President Bola Tinubu has charged the newly decorated service chiefs to ramp up the fight against insecurity and decisively dismantle emerging armed groups across the country, declaring that Nigerians are no longer interested in excuses but results.
While decorating the service chiefs with new ranks inside the State House, Abuja, yesterday, the President said the elevation marked not just a change of rank, but the start of a renewed national security push to restore peace and safeguard citizens.
Responding, the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ resolve to eradicate criminality nationwide, pledging unwavering commitment to securing lives and property.
However, for optimum performance, former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, called on Oluyede and other service chiefs to prioritise the welfare of military personnel by pressing for improved remuneration and funding.
Meanwhile, as the House of Representatives confirmed the appointment of the service chiefs, a private security outfit, founded by a former United States (U.S.) Army Officer, The Guardian Corps (TG Corps), congratulated them and pledged support for national security.
According to Tinubu, while the Armed Forces made notable gains, reclaiming previously occupied territories, rescuing abducted Nigerians and degrading terror cells, fresh security threats demand renewed resolve, creativity, and an aggressive posture.
He said: “The emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West and parts of the south is of grave concern. 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.”
The President emphasised that no meaningful development could take place without security, and that protecting citizens remained the government’s most sacred duty.
The new helmsmen will now bear the following ranks: CDS: Gen Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff (COAS): Lt-Gen Wahidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS): Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Air Staff (CAS): Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, with the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj-Gen Emmanuel Undiendeye, elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General.
The service chiefs collectively promised to strengthen discipline, unity and operational synergy, while reassuring Nigerians of efforts to rebuild trust in security institutions.
Oluyede reaffirmed the loyalty of the Armed Forces to President Tinubu and restated their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Addressing journalists, the CDS echoed the President’s charge for decisive action, promising renewed vigour in ongoing security operations.
He stressed that terrorism, festering since 2009, must be ended.
NDUME, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army in the 9th Assembly, maintained that adequate welfare and sustainable funding for the military were essential to boost morale and strengthen the ongoing fight against insurgency, banditry and other security challenges across the country.
“I have identified four key pillars that would make our military formidable at all times and keep security threats in check. I call them TEAM: Training, Equipment, Ammunition and Motivation, in that order,” Ndume said.
The lawmaker further urged the Federal Government to place the yearly budget of the Armed Forces and other security agencies on the First Line Charge to guarantee timely and non-discretionary funding.
“The military’s budget should not be subject to arbitrary release or political discretion. It must be prioritised and front-loaded to ensure efficiency in operations,” he added.
Ndume also lamented the poor remuneration of Nigerian military personnel compared with their counterparts in other African countries, noting that such disparities affected morale, recruitment and retention.
“In Ghana, a private soldier earns the equivalent of N180,000 monthly; in South Africa, enlisted personnel start at about N250,000; in Egypt, it ranges between N230,000 and N280,000; while in Kenya, a private earns about N200,000, excluding allowances,” he said.
“In Nigeria, however, a private soldier earns far less despite higher deployment frequency and operational risks. The current wage structure no longer reflects the cost of living or the sacrifices made by our troops.”
THE House’s confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Ad hoc Committee on the Screening of Service Chief Nominees, headed by Babajimi Benson, during plenary, yesterday.
It came a day after the nominees appeared before the committee, where they outlined their strategic plans to tackle insecurity, improve troop welfare, and enhance inter-agency collaboration in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality across the country.
IN an official statement issued by its Commander General, Michael Heavens (also known as Commander Don), yesterday, TG Corps described the appointments and confirmation as timely and strategic, coming at a defining moment in Nigeria’s security history.
Heavens expressed confidence that their leadership, discipline and commitment would strengthen national stability, enhance inter-agency cooperation, and promote citizen vigilance against emerging security threats.
The Corps also commended the outgoing service chiefs for their years of “distinguished service, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication” to national peace and unity.
