President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s national security strategies to address the escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states. The directive, announced Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, follows a surge in attacks targeting innocent civilians.
In a two-hour meeting with security chiefs at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu condemned the “senseless” killings and property destruction, declaring, “Enough is enough.” The president, who closely monitored developments during his recent work visit to Paris and London, demanded urgent action to restore peace.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, speaking to journalists, described the briefing as “exhaustive” and detailed. He revealed that Tinubu issued fresh directives, emphasizing collaboration with local councils, state governors, and communities to tackle insecurity. “The issue of insecurity often involves subunits directly with the people,” Ribadu said, noting the need to address community-level challenges.
Ribadu highlighted the president’s deep concern, particularly over attackers’ use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and their focus on ungoverned areas. Security teams have already visited affected states to assess the situation and engage political authorities, as previously instructed by Tinubu.
The NSA assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment, stating, “We are working to ensure we restore peace and security.” The meeting included representatives from the armed forces, police, and intelligence community, all tasked with implementing the president’s new directives.
