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.
Newly appointed service chiefs
“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.