•President Orders Intensified Action, Collaboration with Local Authorities to Curb Violence
By John Audu.
President Bola Tinubu has issued a fresh set of stringent directives to security and intelligence chiefs, demanding a significant escalation in efforts to restore peace and stability across Nigeria. The President’s firm stance, encapsulated in the phrase “Enough is Enough,” underscores the urgency of addressing the persistent security challenges plaguing parts of the nation.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, revealed the President’s directives following an emergency security and intelligence meeting held at the State House in Abuja. “President Tinubu has been closely monitoring developments, even while away, and today he gave new directives,” Ribadu stated. “He is deeply committed to achieving peace and security across the country.”
The President specifically instructed security agencies to enhance coordination with local authorities in volatile regions, including Plateau, Benue, and Borno States. Ribadu emphasized the necessity of a collaborative approach, recognizing that insecurity is not solely a federal issue but requires active participation from subnational actors.
“Insecurity involves sub-units, state, and local governments, because they are closest to the people,” Ribadu explained. “Mr. President has instructed us to work more closely with governors, traditional rulers, and community leaders, especially where issues are rooted in local conflicts.”
Security and intelligence chiefs have recently conducted on-the-ground assessments in the affected areas, engaging with political and community stakeholders to implement targeted interventions. Despite acknowledging ongoing challenges, particularly in the North-East, Ribadu asserted that progress has been made.
“Borno State has recently seen a spike in incidents, particularly due to IEDs planted by insurgents,” he noted. “But we have men and women working tirelessly to keep the country safe.”
Ribadu urged Nigerians to recognize the positive trajectory in security, emphasizing the relative improvement compared to the past year. “Security is relative,” he stated. “We are not where we want to be yet, but we are moving forward. We will not relent until we achieve lasting peace.”
The high-level meeting, convened by President Tinubu, included key security officials such as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed; and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi.
