Tinubu Bolsters Security Strategy In High-Level Meeting With Service Chiefs.
President Bola Tinubu convened a critical meeting with the National Security Agency (NSA), Service Chiefs, and heads of intelligence agencies at the Presidential Villa on Friday, 16 May 2025, to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges. The gathering underscored the administration’s resolve to tackle the surge in terrorist activities linked to regional instability in the Sahel.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, provided insight into the discussions, affirming the military’s commitment to curbing insecurity. “We have reassured the President that we are on top of our game and are working very hard,” General Musa stated. He attributed the recent uptick in attacks to a “global push by terrorists and jihadists” across the Sahel region, noting that Nigeria’s porous borders have exacerbated the spillover of these threats into the country.
The meeting, attended by key figures including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and service chiefs such as Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede (Army), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar (Air Force), and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (Navy), focused on reviewing the nation’s security landscape. General Musa revealed that President Tinubu issued fresh directives to intensify operations and enhance collaboration with neighbouring countries to address cross-border threats.
The Chief of Defence Staff highlighted the acquisition of new equipment and approval for air assets as part of efforts to bolster military operations. “All our theatres have been enhanced,” he said, emphasising the need for public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities. He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, particularly recycled videos falsely depicting recent attacks, which he said undermines national security efforts.
President Tinubu’s proactive stance follows earlier directives in April, when he declared “enough is enough” in response to rising violence in states like Plateau, Benue, and Borno. The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had previously noted the President’s insistence on closer coordination with state and local authorities to tackle community-level conflicts fuelling insecurity.
The administration’s renewed focus on regional cooperation was echoed in social media posts, with sources noting Tinubu’s call for deeper ties with security agencies of neighbouring countries to enhance effectiveness. This aligns with efforts to counter the Sahel’s destabilising influence, which General Musa described as a key driver of Nigeria’s current challenges.
As Nigeria grapples with these complex threats, the government is also engaging governors and local communities to foster a unified approach. General Musa urged Nigerians to support the armed forces, stating, “Security is a shared responsibility. We need the support of the public to win this battle.”
The meeting signals a robust response to the evolving security dynamics, with President Tinubu’s administration prioritising decisive action and international collaboration to restore peace and stability across the nation.
