President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday decorated the nation’s new service chiefs with a directive to bring an end to Boko Haram insurgency within three months.
Buhari, joined by the Vice-President, decorated the new service chiefs inside the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said they must make the nation proud and justify their appointments by delivering on their duties.
Buhari said he had no doubt in his mind that the officers were equal to the task ahead of them because their appointments and subsequent elevation to new ranks were based on their pedigree as first class senior officers.
He said, “You are all aware of the various security challenges facing our nation. These challenges include the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, banditry, kidnapping and militancy of various forms to mention a few.
“The activities of these misguided groups and individuals have resulted in wanton destruction of lives and properties of our citizens and a disruption of social and economic lives of millions of Nigerians.
“The increasing incidences of attacks and destruction perpetrated by these insurgents have led to the deployment of various instruments of national power in a bid to contain their activities and restoring law and order to every part of the country.
“Rightly, the armed forces have been in the vanguard of the fight against terrorism.
“While commending the efforts of the armed forces so far, you need to brace (yourselves for) and continue to team up with other stakeholders to come up with a well-coordinated joint effort which will bring a desired end to these insurgencies within three months.”
The President said in the course of carrying out their assignment, the service chiefs must be accountable for all men and equipment placed under their command.
Buhari said the military officers must take care of their men and make available what is due to them.
He added that a concerted effort should also be made to make judicious use of resources in search for solution to the current security challenges in the country.
Buhari added, “You will recall that I have been to several countries with the sole aim of canvassing for global support to eliminate terrorism from Nigeria.
“These efforts, which include establishment of the Multi National Joint Task Force, should be complemented by you. You should therefore re-professionalise your force and give your troops creditable training so that they can perform their job creditably.
“You should also ensure that they abide by the newly enforced rules and regulations of international standards while carrying out their assigned tasks. In particular, you must protect innocent civilians in the theatre of conflicts.
“This, no doubt, will earn you the support of local communities and the respect of our allies and support of the international community. Get back to work and make Nigerians proud.”
The new Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, in his remarks, thanked God and Buhari for the honour done the new service chiefs.
Olonishakin said the service chiefs and him were prepared and committed to justify the confidence reposed in them by the appointment.
He pledged the military’s loyalty to the President and the country and sought the support of Nigerians to make the task easier.
He later told State House correspondents that the three-month directive handed them by Buhari was a presidential directive that should be met.
He said, “We are already strategising on how to handle most of the challenges since we were appointed a month ago.
“And all these strategies we are beginning to put them in place, so we will just put in more efforts to ensure that we achieve the desire of the President.
“The President has given a presidential directive that must be met.”
Also decorated were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Buhari had on July 13 announced the appointment of the service chiefs in acting capacity and thereafter forwarded their names to the Senate for confirmation.
The Senate confirmed their nominations on August 4.
Buhari personally read the citation of the new CDS before he was decorated with his new rank while the Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr. Nebolisa Emodi, read those of the remaining service chiefs.
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