Tinubu Orders Immediate Overhaul Of Security Strategies

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate and comprehensive review of Nigeria’s national security strategies, with a clear directive to end the escalating violence and senseless killings in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara States.

In a statement released on Tuesday, April 23, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President expressed deep concern over the persistent attacks on innocent citizens, declaring that the killings must stop. “Enough is enough,” President Tinubu was quoted as saying during a high-level meeting with security chiefs at the State House in Abuja.

The President met for more than two hours with the National Security Adviser, the service chiefs, and heads of security and intelligence agencies. During the meeting, he received detailed briefings on the recent attacks, the rising death toll, and the destruction of properties across the affected states.

According to the statement, the President was visibly disturbed and instructed a total overhaul of current security operations. He demanded a new approach that emphasizes immediate action and tangible results.

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who addressed the media after the meeting, confirmed that President Tinubu had been actively monitoring developments—even while on a recent working visit to Paris and London—maintaining regular communication with security officials and giving clear directives.

“Mr. President gave us the chance to brief him again. It was a very detailed, exhaustive session that lasted hours,” Ribadu said. “He gave new instructions and emphasized that we must work harder to restore peace and security.”

The President also mandated a greater role for local and state governments in the fight against insecurity, stressing the importance of engaging community leaders and subnational actors to address the root causes of violence.

“The issue of insecurity is not only at the national level. It involves the local councils, governors, and community heads who are closest to the people,” Ribadu added. “The President directed that we strengthen collaboration with state governments and work more directly with communities.”

The NSA disclosed that President Tinubu had earlier directed visits to affected states, including Borno, Benue, and Plateau, where federal security authorities met with political and community leaders. The feedback from those visits formed part of the deliberations during Tuesday’s meeting.

Ribadu noted that the attackers often target innocent civilians using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), especially in remote and ungoverned areas. He reiterated the administration’s determination to disrupt these operations and secure all parts of the country.

“The President is very worried and deeply concerned. We are working to ensure that peace is restored,” Ribadu affirmed. “The entire security architecture—armed forces, police, and intelligence community—is aligned with this mission.”

The presidency assures Nigerians that the directives issued by President Tinubu will be followed with urgency and sustained action to bring an end to the cycle of violence.