By Majeed Salaam
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a two-hour security meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with service chiefs to recalibrate strategies against a renewed wave of insurgent attacks in the North-East. The session, held a day after the Minister of Defence summoned top military leaders, focused on operational adjustments and equipment needs to counter terrorism and banditry.
The meeting included the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff Idi Abbas, Chief of Air Staff Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Director-General of DSS Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of NIA Mohammed Mohammed, and newly appointed Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu.
Security Challenges and Operational Adjustments
The Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, reported that insurgents had intensified attacks, overrunning at least three military bases in less than a week, particularly in Borno State. He affirmed that Nigerian forces have inflicted heavy casualties on terrorist groups while reclaiming strategic locations.
Recent incidents include assaults on Ngoshe, Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok, with abductions reported in Ngoshe. Vice President Kashim Shettima reiterated the administration’s resolve to use overwhelming force to end the insurgency.
Operation HADIN KAI troops successfully repelled coordinated attacks by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in Goniri, Yobe State, killing over 20 insurgents. The attackers attempted to encircle military positions but were detected through surveillance assets.
Presidential Directives
President Tinubu authorized the acquisition of new military equipment to enhance operational capabilities against terrorists and bandits. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating insurgency, emphasizing that Nigeria will not bow to extremist threats.
The meeting marked the first security review since Tunji Disu assumed office as Inspector-General of Police, signaling a high-level focus on integrating military and police strategies to secure vulnerable regions.
Public Assurance
Minister Musa appealed to Nigerians to remain confident in the security agencies, acknowledging the sacrifices of fallen personnel while stressing that the military’s ongoing operations are yielding tangible results.
The administration continues to balance rapid operational responses with strategic planning to neutralize insurgent threats and restore stability across affected states.
