President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of national security strategies.
He also demanded urgent action towards ending the escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau and Kwara states.
The President gave the order during his meeting with security chiefs at the State House in Abuja, which lasted for more than two hours.
He called for an immediate end to the killing of innocent people in Borno, Benue and Plateau States.
“Enough is enough,” President Tinubu declared as he condemned the senseless targeting of innocent Nigerians.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, said the service chiefs briefed the President on all the attacks, the death toll, and the destruction of properties.
Addressing newsmen after the crucial meeting, the NSA said President Tinubu ordered a new approach to tackling the insecurity problems.
“Even when he was out there, he was constantly in touch, giving directives and following developments.
“Today, we had the opportunity to come and brief him again, and it lasted hours. It was a very detailed briefing, and it was exhaustive.
“We listened to him. He gave us new directives. Mr President is insisting that we work harder to restore security in the country.
“We gave him information on what has been happening and assured him of our commitment.
Ribadu said that they have visited places with incidences of insecurity, such as Plateau, Benue, and Borno States following the President’s instructions.
“We went to those particular three states. We gave him feedback because he had directed us earlier to go and meet with the political authorities there,” he added.
Involvement of local authorities
The NSA said the President highlighted the need to involve the local councils and state governments more in tackling insecurity cases.
“The issue of insecurity often is not just at the higher levels. It involves the sub-units.
“They are the ones who are directly with the people, especially when some of the challenges border on community problems.
“We need to work with the communities. We need to work with the local governments, and we need to work with the governors.
Ribadu said the President who was “very worried and concerned”, directed that the security chiefs work more with state governors.
“He said, ‘Enough is enough’. We are working to ensure that we restore peace and security.
“We were all at the meeting with the President, armed forces, police, and intelligence community.”
The NSA said the attackers usually target innocent citizens by planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and targeting ungoverned areas.
