President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate overhaul of Nigeria’s national security strategy, following a wave of violent attacks in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states.
He gave the directive during a high-level security meeting with service chiefs at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking during the over two-hour closed-door session, Tinubu condemned the continued killing of innocent Nigerians, describing the situation as intolerable.
“Enough is enough,” he said, stressing that the lives of citizens must be protected at all costs.
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Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu said the service chiefs presented detailed reports on recent attacks, casualty figures, and the extent of property destruction across the affected states.
According to Ribadu, the President issued new directives and demanded a more effective and localised approach to tackling insecurity.
“Mr President is insisting that we work harder to restore peace in the country,” Ribadu said.
“Even during his recent visits to Paris and London, he stayed in touch, issued directives, and followed developments closely.”
Ribadu confirmed that a presidential mandate had earlier sent security chiefs to the flashpoint states, where they met with political authorities and community leaders.
He added that Tinubu has now called for stronger collaboration with local councils and governors to curb the violence.
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“The issue of insecurity often originates from the grassroots. We need to work closely with communities, local governments, and state governors. The President directed us to deepen this collaboration,” the NSA stated.
Ribadu also revealed that the assailants had been using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and exploiting ungoverned areas to carry out attacks.
“He was very worried and concerned,” Ribadu said of the President’s mood during the meeting.
“The message is clear — the time to end this senseless violence is now.”
The meeting was attended by top officials from the armed forces, police, and intelligence community.
