President Bola Tinubu convened a meeting with the nation's security apparatus at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday. During the meeting, he issued clear instructions to the country's security agencies, urging them to intensify their efforts in combating various security challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, sea robbery, piracy, and others that have been burdening the nation.
Expressing concern about the worsening security situation, Tinubu emphasized that he would not tolerate a continued decline in the country's well-being. His administration is determined to build upon any progress that has been made thus far.
After the two-hour meeting, which was titled the General Security Appraisal Committee, National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd) briefed the press. He quoted President Tinubu as stating that the new administration is resolute in reversing the insecurity plaguing the nation.
To achieve this objective, Tinubu specifically instructed the security agencies to work together and cooperate towards their set goals. He made it clear that the new administration would not tolerate any conflicting or colliding efforts among them.
The President also directed the security agencies to prioritize coordination, frequent consultation, and timely reporting, emphasizing that these aspects should be acted upon promptly.
Tinubu intends to implement various reforms in the security architecture, particularly focusing on the challenges in the maritime domain, such as oil theft, which he vehemently opposes. The President wants any security issues to be swiftly addressed, regardless of their source.
Moreover, Tinubu mandated the security agencies to develop a blueprint for the necessary changes as quickly as possible, as time is of the essence.
Tinubu also expressed his commitment to support the armed forces in their endeavors. He stressed the importance of adequately providing for and motivating the operatives involved in various operations.
The President further instructed the intelligence agencies' operational elements to facilitate their work by providing the required intelligence for effective execution of their assignments.
Following the meeting, Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor stated that the security chiefs received new instructions on the President's desired approach to security. He assured that the team was already motivated to carry out the new tasks.
In attendance at the meeting were Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, and Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba. Also present were Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS) Yusuf Bichi and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
This meeting marked President Tinubu's first official engagement with the heads of the nation's security and intelligence agencies since assuming office. On a related note, he had previously met with the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.
