Tinubu directs military overhaul, boosts firepower to combat rising terror threats
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate overhaul of Nigeria’s security operations, including the deployment of new military strategies and the procurement of additional firepower, in response to a recent spike in terrorist activities, especially in the northern region.
The directive followed a high-level security meeting held Thursday at the State House in Abuja, where the President met with top security and intelligence chiefs to assess the worsening situation in states such as Plateau, Benue, and Borno.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said Tinubu expressed serious concern over the resurgence of violence, attributing it partly to increased terrorist activity spilling over from the Sahel.
“There is a global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel, and that pressure has reached Nigeria due to the nature of our borders,” General Musa said.
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He confirmed the President had approved the procurement of air assets and other military equipment to boost operational capacity. “Mr. President has given directives for us to intensify efforts and collaborate with neighbouring countries. Equipment has been bought, and multiple approvals have been given for air and ground assets.”
However, Musa emphasized that military action alone would not resolve the crisis. “It’s not only about the kinetic effort—the non-kinetic aspect is most important too,” he said.
He explained that the administration is adopting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackle the root causes of insecurity. As part of this, the President plans to engage state governors to promote inclusive governance, grassroots development, and equitable distribution of democratic dividends.
“The President is looking at engaging the governors for their support and buy-in, ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach local communities to help curb insecurity,” Musa added.
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