Tinubu Issues Fresh Security Orders As Killings Surge Across Nigerian States.
President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive steps to address the recent wave of deadly attacks across parts of Nigeria, summoning top security chiefs to an emergency meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting followed brutal killings in Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states, which have left dozens of Nigerians dead.
Though no official communique was issued after the closed-door session, sources close to the Presidency indicated that President Tinubu expressed deep displeasure over the resurgence of violence and gave new directives aimed at swiftly restoring peace.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, who addressed journalists briefly after the session, confirmed the gravity of the discussions. “We, who are in charge of security, had the opportunity today to come and brief him properly for hours. It was detailed and exhaustive, covering everything from A to Z—what has been the case and what is happening today,” he said.
Ribadu further disclosed that President Tinubu had directed security operatives to intensify efforts in the troubled areas. “He is deeply concerned and insisted that enough is enough. We are working to restore peace and security. All of us—the armed forces—are involved,” he added.
Senior officials in attendance included Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa; Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi; Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence, Benjamin Okolo; Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, General Emmanuel Undianeye. The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, was also present.
The President’s meeting coincided with a gathering of state governors in Abuja ahead of the National Economic Council (NEC) session. Although the agenda was not disclosed, worsening insecurity across the country was expected to dominate discussions, along with renewed calls for the establishment of state police.
At the previous NEC meeting held on 12 December 2024, all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expressed support for creating state police to address rising insecurity. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele recently confirmed that the National Assembly was working on the legal framework to give states constitutional backing to manage internal security more effectively.
In a related development, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed troops to neutralise a newly-emerged terrorist group operating in Kaiama and Baruten councils of Kwara State within one month. Speaking at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, Oluyede charged the soldiers with preventing a repeat of the Boko Haram insurgency. “You must push them out of those forests so we will not have another set of Boko Haram disturbing us here,” he stated.
Meanwhile, suspected bandits launched a series of coordinated attacks in Zamfara State on Tuesday, leaving several dead and many abducted. The attacks occurred in Zurmi, Tsafe, and Talata Mafara local councils. In one incident, the assailants stormed Kaiwa Namba Village around 5:30 a.m., killing several residents. Later, more than 100 armed men attacked Bawa Ganga Village, leading to a fierce gun battle with security forces. An officer from MOPOL 10, Bauchi, sustained injuries in the clash.
In a separate ambush along the Anka–Mayanchi road, a member of the Community Protection Guard and a vehicle driver were killed, while another security volunteer was abducted.
Joint security forces have since been deployed to the affected areas to stabilise the situation and prevent further attacks.
As the federal and state governments intensify their response to the escalating violence, many Nigerians remain hopeful that the latest measures will bring lasting peace to the affected communities.
