By Chioma Amajor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a total overhaul of Nigeria’s national security strategy, directing security chiefs to take immediate action to end the wave of violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara States.
The President issued the directive on Tuesday during a marathon security meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The closed-door meeting, which lasted more than two hours, was attended by the National Security Adviser (NSA), service chiefs, and heads of intelligence agencies.
In a stern message to the nation’s security apparatus, President Tinubu declared: “Enough is enough,” as he condemned the continued killing of innocent Nigerians in the affected states.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, NSA Nuhu Ribadu said the President had been closely monitoring the security situation, even while abroad on official engagements in Paris and London, giving real-time instructions to security agencies.
“Today’s meeting was detailed and exhaustive,” Ribadu stated. “We briefed the President on recent attacks, the death toll, and the destruction of properties. In return, he gave us fresh directives and emphasized the need to act swiftly to restore peace.”
Ribadu confirmed that the President had previously instructed security agencies to visit troubled areas. Based on those visits, the security team reported back to the President on the ground realities.
“The President has insisted we intensify collaboration with state governments and local authorities,” the NSA added. “He stressed that tackling insecurity at the grassroots level is critical, especially when the challenges involve local communities.”
Ribadu said the attackers often operate in ungoverned spaces and use Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to target civilians. He assured the public that the security forces were determined to reverse the trend.
“Mr. President is deeply concerned and has made it clear that this must stop. We are committed to carrying out his instructions and restoring security across the country,” he said.
The meeting was attended by top officials from the armed forces, police, and intelligence community.
