President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to the service chiefs and other security agency heads, emphasizing the importance of unity and coordination within his administration. He urged them to avoid working at cross purposes and emphasized the need for a cohesive approach to security matters.He urged them to collaborate closely and work in a coordinated manner to collectively address the challenges of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, sea robbery, piracy, and other related issues. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity of purpose in tackling these pressing security concerns.Following a meeting between the president and security and intelligence chiefs at the State House in Abuja, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, informed reporters that the session lasted for more than two hours. The meeting took place yesterday.According to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, President Tinubu emphasized the need for regular consultations and prompt actions based on reports during the general security appraisal committee meeting. Monguno stated that Tinubu made it clear to the heads of security and intelligence agencies that incidents of oil theft would not be tolerated. The president also expressed his administration’s commitment to reforming the security architecture.
Monguno stated that President Tinubu emphasized the need for heightened efforts from security agencies in advancing the country. Tinubu’s approach to security is centered on contemporary measures that align with the demands of the time. He made it clear that the decline in the nation’s fortunes would not be accepted, stressing the importance of coordinated national security and the establishment of a clearing house, even if it adopts a basket system.
Tinubu firmly rejected any instances of working at cross purposes or conflicting with each other among security agencies. He stressed the imperative for all agencies to work towards a unified purpose, adhering to coordination, frequent consultations, and timely action on reports.
Having been briefed on the prevailing security issues facing the nation, Tinubu expressed appreciation for the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and wider paramilitary organizations for their dedication and sacrifice in defending the country. He paid tribute to those who lost their lives while combatting terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, sea robbery, piracy, and other challenges.
Tinubu disclosed his intention to implement significant reforms in the security architecture, with a particular focus on addressing misfortunes in the maritime domain. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards oil theft, vowing to crush the problem from its roots, regardless of its origin.
The National Security Adviser (NSA) confirmed that President Tinubu expressed his determination to build upon the progress achieved so far, reverse misfortunes, and steer the country in a positive direction. Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria should not be struggling while other nations are advancing and achieving greater heights.
Tinubu has already instructed the security agencies to develop a blueprint promptly, as he emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. The president also emphasized the importance of ensuring the well-being of personnel engaged in security operations, ensuring they are properly equipped, motivated, and provided with all necessary support.
Furthermore, Tinubu stressed that he would utilize his powers to enable the operational elements of the armed forces while expecting the intelligence agencies to provide the necessary intelligence support to carry out their assignments effectively.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, expressed that the meeting was productive and that the security chiefs received new instructions on the president’s vision for security. He assured that the team was inspired and motivated to fulfill the new tasks based on the mandate given by the president.
In attendance at the meeting were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao; Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba; Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar. They were led by General Irabor.
