Tinubu Orders Military Upgrade, Reviews Strategy Against Terrorism

Tinubu Orders Military Upgrade, Reviews Strategy Against Terrorism
The Defence Minister acknowledged that insurgents had carried out several attacks on military formations but insisted that Nigerian forces were also recording significant operational successes
Musa also noted that extremist groups often intensify attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday held a two-hour security meeting with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa to review the nation’s security situation and strengthen strategies to counter renewed insurgent attacks in parts of the country.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the meeting followed rising security concerns in the North-East, particularly in Borno State, where insurgents reportedly overran more than three military bases within a week.

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It also came a day after the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, summoned service chiefs to address the resurgence of insurgency in the region.

Thursday’s meeting was the first major security briefing attended by the new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, since he assumed office. During the session, President Tinubu directed the military to procure additional equipment to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and bandits.

According to Musa, the meeting provided an opportunity for security chiefs to brief the President on developments across the country and outline steps already taken to tackle the evolving tactics of insurgent groups.

“The meeting was essentially for the services to brief Mr President on the current situation on the ground. You know there have been a series of attacks, and the security forces have risen to the occasion,” he told journalists after the meeting.

Also present at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

Others in attendance included the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

Tinubu Orders Military Upgrade, Reviews Strategy Against Terrorism

The Defence Minister acknowledged that insurgents had carried out several attacks on military formations but insisted that Nigerian forces were also recording significant operational successes, including the killing of terrorist commanders and the recovery of previously targeted locations.

He admitted that the military had suffered losses during recent confrontations but described fallen officers and soldiers as brave personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the country.

Musa also noted that extremist groups often intensify attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan due to ideological motivations that encourage suicide missions and violent acts.

Despite the recent attacks, he reassured Nigerians that the armed forces had begun reclaiming strategic areas and neutralising insurgent elements.

“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired or discouraged,” he said.

In a related development, troops of the Joint Task Force in the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled coordinated attacks by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Yobe State.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Sani Uba, the insurgents launched coordinated assaults on troops stationed in Goniri but were detected through surveillance and repelled after intense fighting.

More than 20 insurgents were reportedly killed during the operation.

Recent attacks have been reported in several locations in Borno State, including Ngoshe, Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok, where insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have intensified assaults on military positions.

Both President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have vowed that the federal government will deploy overwhelming force to end the insurgency.

Meanwhile, the new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has praised his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, for laying a strong foundation for professional policing during his tenure.

Speaking during the pull-out parade marking Egbetokun’s retirement at the Force Headquarters, Disu said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to draw on the experience of former police chiefs to maintain professionalism and integrity within the institution.

Egbetokun, in his farewell remarks, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation and acknowledged the contributions of previous Inspectors-General of Police to the development of the force.