President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja decorated the newly-appointed service chiefs with their new ranks at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, charging them to maintain teamwork to ensure peace and stability.

The Senate had previously confirmed their appointments before the ceremony.

The newly-inaugurated service chiefs are Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

At the occasion, the president emphasised the importance of maintaining teamwork, which he credited for the gains recorded so far in the security sector.

He commended the dedication, commitment and steadfastness displayed by the armed forces, acknowledging their significant contributions to the nation’s peace and stability.

”We have seen that we are recording positive results in our security challenges because of your dedication, commitment and steadfastness,” Mr Tinubu said.

He assured the new service chiefs that the government was committed to supporting them in their responsibilities.

The president underscored the value of virtues such as positive team thinking, unity and selfless service to the nation, declaring that despite the current economic challenges, a better future awaits Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu also offered prayers for God’s blessings upon the Nigerian Armed Forces, wishing them peace, progress and success in their endeavours to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

He added that he is working hard to solve Nigerians’ current economic challenges, saying, ”We are committed to serving you and not to rule over you.”

Speaking on behalf of the service chiefs, Mr Musa expressed their unalloyed commitment to ensure the security and defence of the nation in their respective positions.

”I assure Mr President that the armed forces of Nigeria are 100 per cent loyal to the government. We will go wherever we are ordered, whether by air, sea or land,” he said.

The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribabu, senior government officials, members of the immediate families of the service chiefs, and other heads of security and intelligence agencies in the country.