President Bola Tinubu has once again underscored his administration’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s security architecture, emphasizing national security as a cornerstone of his governance agenda.
In a speech delivered at the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, commended the military and security agencies for their tireless efforts in tackling security challenges across the country. He expressed confidence in their resilience, particularly in the fight against armed criminals and insurgents.
While applauding the Armed Forces, Tinubu stated, “I wish to also commend the various joint task forces and security agencies operating across the country for their unwavering resolve to bring armed criminals to justice. This has been vital in maintaining peace and stability across Nigeria.”
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to supporting the country’s security apparatus, Tinubu added, “Let me assure you that I have prioritized Nigeria’s security and will remain steadfast in providing the necessary resources and backing to our Armed Forces and other security agencies to execute their vital tasks and responsibilities.”
He also highlighted the need for greater coordination among all security agencies to effectively tackle the evolving security threats facing Nigeria, urging participants at the conference to explore innovative approaches, integrate advanced technologies, and promote cooperation across agencies to combat these challenges.
In his address, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, stressed the growing danger posed by new tactics employed by terrorists, such as the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and armed drones. He called for adaptive strategies to counter these emerging threats, noting that security forces must stay vigilant and responsive to the ever-changing landscape.
“While we celebrate our successes, we must not let our guard down as the security situation continues to evolve. The increasing use of drones, transnational crimes, and IED proliferation require creative and agile responses. To effectively tackle these issues, we must leverage technology, enhance intelligence-sharing, and strengthen interagency collaboration,” said General Musa.
The Senate Committee on Defence Chairman, Senator Ahmed Lawan, also weighed in, advocating for increased investment in Nigeria’s defense and intelligence sectors. He urged for a restructuring of military procurement processes to ensure alignment with the operational needs of the nation’s security services.
In a similar vein, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Permanent Secretary Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, reaffirmed that security remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the military to ensure that Nigeria continues to serve as a symbol of stability for the African continent and the global community.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives, during its plenary on Wednesday, urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to collaborate with local vigilante groups in combing the country’s forests to eliminate the hideouts of bandits and herdsmen. This move follows a motion of urgent public importance raised by Edo State lawmaker, Billy Osawaru.
Osawaru highlighted the critical need to address the persistent security challenges in Nigeria, such as terrorism, banditry, militia activities, and kidnapping. He pointed out the adverse effects of these issues, including displacement, dwindling agricultural productivity, and economic instability.
In response to the growing insecurity, Osawaru proposed expanding the efforts of regional security outfits, such as the Amotekun Corps in the South-West, which has already mobilized over 2,000 personnel to combat bandits. He called for a nationwide approach to ensure the forests across Nigeria are cleared of criminal elements.
The resolution, adopted by the House, noted that the ongoing security crises, including banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery, have severely impacted Nigeria’s growth and development. It stressed the urgent need to reevaluate the country’s security strategies to prevent further escalation.
The House further called on its Committees on Police Institutions, Army, Interior, and Legislative Compliance to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to address the security challenges and to report back within four weeks.
With the nation’s security forces stretched thin, these recent calls for reform and collaboration between local and national agencies signal a renewed focus on tackling Nigeria’s ongoing security threats.
