•President calls for strengthened collaboration with neighbouring countries
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Friday, held a crucial meeting with Nigeria’s service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid rising concerns over the country’s security situation. The meeting took place ahead of the President’s scheduled trip to Rome today, for the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV, following an official invitation from the Vatican.
In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Musa, speaking to State House Correspondents, after the meeting, gave an extensive briefing on the state of security in Nigeria, offering reassurance to Nigerians and affirming the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity head-on.
“Well, it’s one of assurance,” the CDS began. “I think our meeting today is for us to review the entire security situation in the country. The President is concerned about what’s going on, and we have reassured him that we’re on top of our game. We’re working extremely very hard.”
The CDS explained that the recent spike in insecurity is linked to a broader regional challenge: “What has happened of recent is that there’s 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.”
He reiterated that President Tinubu has given clear directives to intensify efforts and strengthen regional collaboration.