President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security operatives to take decisive action against the resurgence of violent attacks in parts of the country, particularly in Plateau, Borno, and Benue states.
The directive was issued during a high-level security meeting held at the State House on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by key security figures, including National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undianeye; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi; and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, NSA Nuhu Ribadu conveyed the president’s stern stance: “Enough is enough,” Tinubu reportedly told the security chiefs, in reference to the continued violence plaguing certain regions.
According to Ribadu, the president emphasized the need for tighter collaboration between federal security agencies and political authorities at both the state and grassroots levels. He said the security chiefs had already begun engaging with political leaders in the affected communities to devise lasting solutions.
“Insecurity is not only a government problem,” Ribadu explained. “It also involves the subnational units — the communities, local governments, and especially the governors. The president directed that we work more closely with them.”
He noted that while not all security challenges are community-based, local dynamics play a significant role in fueling conflicts. “Some of these problems are community-related. While not entirely so, that element plays a significant role,” he added.
Ribadu assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remains committed to restoring peace nationwide. “Mr. President is working hard to ensure that Nigeria enjoys peace and stability. We are not relenting. We will not stop until we get the results he demands,” he said.
On the situation in Borno, Ribadu described the resurgence of violence as a tactic by terrorists to destabilize periods of calm. “This enemy does not give up easily. When there’s peace for a long time, they try to shock the public with an isolated incident,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the security situation in Nigeria is not yet perfect, the NSA highlighted noticeable progress. “We are not at 100 percent yet, but there is significant improvement,” he said.