In response to a surge in terrorist activities across the country, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate implementation of enhanced security strategies and the acquisition of more military equipment to tackle insecurity, particularly in the northern regions.
Speaking during a high-level security meeting at the State House in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the increasing violence in Plateau, Benue, Borno and other flashpoints, attributing much of the unrest to transnational terrorist activity emanating from the Sahel region.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said the President had directed the military to intensify efforts and work in collaboration with neighbouring countries to curb the cross-border threats.
“There is a global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area, and that pressure is what actually came into Nigeria because of the nature of our borders,” Musa explained.
He confirmed that additional equipment had been deployed to various operational theatres, and that more air assets had been approved for acquisition. “It’s not just about the kinetic aspect,” he added, stressing that non-kinetic solutions, including grassroots development and governance reforms, are crucial to addressing the root causes of insecurity.
The meeting was attended by key security and intelligence chiefs, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru, and all the service chiefs.
In an effort to deepen the national security response, Musa highlighted the need for collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as community-level actors. “The President is looking at engaging governors to ensure the dividends of democracy reach the most vulnerable communities,” he said.
He warned against the spread of misinformation, urging Nigerians to avoid fake news that undermines national unity. “Most of the videos being circulated are either foreign or old. If Nigeria is destroyed, we all go down,” Musa cautioned.
Reinforcing this message, he assured residents of Borno, Plateau, and other affected states of the military’s continued commitment to restoring peace. “We are not working alone; the governors are cooperating and we are reinforcing that synergy.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced a major boost to its fleet, with 49 new aircraft scheduled for delivery over the next two years. Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, made the disclosure during the induction of two Agusta 109S Trekker Helicopters in Abuja as part of events marking NAF’s 61st anniversary.
The new aircraft include 10 additional A-109S Trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 ground attack jets, and three C-295 airlift aircraft. “These acquisitions will significantly bolster our precision strike and rapid deployment capabilities,” Abubakar said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu at the induction ceremony, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to modernising the armed forces and maintaining national security. “Today’s ceremony marks another milestone in our unwavering commitment to strengthen our Armed Forces,” Shettima said.
Following the security meeting, President Tinubu received the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, and other traditional rulers from Oyo State. The President reiterated that national peace and development depend on inclusive governance.
“This job is not one you can do alone. We have to pull ourselves together to build a nation of prosperity. Our priority is still education and medicare. We want to uplift cultural values, and our door is open for participation,” Tinubu said.
He praised the Alaafin for his leadership and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with traditional institutions to enhance social cohesion and policy delivery.
The Alaafin, in his remarks, pledged the support of the traditional council and commended the President’s track record of leadership, describing him as a “bridge builder” and “nation’s foremost leader.”
