- Tinubu also convened an emergency security meeting involving top service chiefs and intelligence heads
- The Federal Government, however, dismissed concerns of a nationwide breakdown of law and order
- Officials say the administration is actively seeking partnerships with willing international allies
President Bola Tinubu has intensified efforts to address Nigeria’s worsening security situation following a series of deadly attacks on military personnel in the North-East.
Eko Hot Blog reports that on Monday, the President held a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside a visiting French military official.
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The discussions are understood to be part of ongoing moves to deepen international cooperation and secure additional support for Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.
In addition to that engagement, Tinubu also convened an emergency security meeting involving top service chiefs and intelligence heads.
Those present included the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Inspector-General of Police, as well as the heads of the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency.
The high-level meeting was aimed at reviewing recent security setbacks and strengthening coordinated responses across different theatres of operation.
The meetings followed a deadly attack in Borno State in which a senior military officer and six soldiers were killed after insurgents planted an improvised explosive device during an operation.
The incident has further heightened concerns over the safety of troops engaged in counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
The engagement with the French delegation also reflects Nigeria’s renewed push for external support in tackling insecurity.
The visit comes weeks after reports that France had agreed to provide military equipment and training assistance following discussions between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Officials say the administration is actively seeking partnerships with willing international allies to boost the capacity of the armed forces.
A Presidency source described the meetings as part of the President’s broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture, noting that collaboration with foreign partners remains a key component of the government’s security plan.
The latest security consultations come against the backdrop of escalating violence in different parts of the country.
Over the weekend, a Nigerian Air Force operation targeting insurgents in Borno reportedly led to significant casualties, including civilians, sparking renewed controversy and calls from human rights groups for an independent investigation.
The military has defended the strike, insisting the target was a known terrorist logistics base.
At the same time, the United States government recently authorised the voluntary departure of non-essential staff from its embassy in Abuja, citing deteriorating security conditions. The advisory also placed several Nigerian states under a high-level travel warning.
The Federal Government, however, dismissed concerns of a nationwide breakdown of law and order, insisting that most parts of the country remain stable despite isolated incidents.
In addition, fresh violence in Benue State has added to the growing security burden. Multiple communities in Apa and Otukpo local government areas were attacked by suspected armed herders, leaving several residents and a mobile police officer dead.
Many others were injured or displaced as security forces were deployed to restore order and prevent further attacks.
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