President Bola Tinubu has issued fresh directives for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s national security strategy, demanding immediate and decisive action to halt escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, who briefed the press after the meeting, said the President was visibly concerned and had called for a renewed and more aggressive approach to address the security crisis.
“Even while on official visits to Paris and London, Mr. President remained engaged, issuing directives and receiving updates,” Ribadu stated. “Today’s meeting was comprehensive and detailed. He insisted we must work harder to restore peace.”
Ribadu revealed that security chiefs had earlier been dispatched to Borno, Benue, and Plateau states to assess the situation firsthand and engage with local authorities. The NSA emphasized that President Tinubu wants closer collaboration between federal security forces, state governments, and local councils.
“Insecurity doesn’t just exist at the national level. It’s rooted in the communities,” Ribadu said. “The President directed us to deepen our partnership with local leaders to address these issues more effectively.”
Ribadu added that the attackers often operate in ungoverned areas and use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target civilians. The security agencies, he said, are intensifying efforts to dismantle such threats.
The meeting included the heads of the armed forces, police, and intelligence community, all of whom, according to Ribadu, reaffirmed their commitment to executing the President’s new directives swiftly and effectively.
