President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday decorated the newly appointed Service Chiefs following their confirmation by the Senate, formally ushering in a new era of leadership within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The brief but solemn ceremony took place inside the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, where the President performed the investiture before top government officials, senior officers, and family members of the appointees.
Those decorated include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
In his remarks, President Tinubu charged the new military leaders to demonstrate unwavering professionalism and renew the fight against insecurity across the country.
“Nigeria is at a critical juncture,” the President said. “You must defend the nation with courage, integrity, and unity of purpose. The people expect results, not excuses. This administration will provide every support you need to succeed, but the task of securing our country rests squarely on your shoulders.”
Tinubu emphasized that the nation’s security architecture must undergo a strategic overhaul to tackle terrorism, banditry, and organized crime more effectively. He noted that his administration was committed to equipping the armed forces with modern technology and intelligence support to deliver tangible improvements in national security.
The Senate had earlier confirmed the nominees after vetting their credentials and operational track records, paving the way for Thursday’s official decoration.
Speaking on behalf of the Service Chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, pledged their loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and assured Nigerians of “a renewed and more coordinated military approach” to national defense.
“We will not betray the confidence reposed in us,” General Musa said. “Our focus will be on results, discipline, and synergy across all branches of the armed forces to end the menace of insecurity.”
The ceremony concluded with formal handshakes and a brief photo session, symbolizing the transfer of military command under the Tinubu administration’s new security direction.
