President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Service Chiefs and intelligence heads to ramp up operational efficiency, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and sharpen execution in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other emerging threats.
The president gave the order yesterday during a security meeting at the State House, Abuja, as part of renewed efforts to stabilise troubled regions and ensure a peaceful festive season.
On the same day, Tinubu nominated former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to replace Alhaji Abubakar Badaru as Minister of Defence. Badaru resigned on Monday citing health concerns. The Senate is expected to screen the nominee today.
The meeting was attended by National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Wahidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke.
Also present were the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiadeye; DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and NIA Director-General, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Gen. Oluyede described the interaction as “quite engaging,” assuring Nigerians of enhanced security in the coming weeks, especially as the festive season approaches.
The briefing is one of Tinubu’s ongoing engagements with security institutions following his recent declaration of a national security emergency.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that Gen. Musa’s nomination had been forwarded to the Senate, describing him as “eminently qualified” to lead the Defence Ministry given his extensive operational background.
Gen. Musa, who turns 58 on December 25, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced infantry commanders. He received the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012 and served as CDS from 2023 until last month.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, he attended the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria, before enrolling at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986, graduating as a Second Lieutenant in 1991. His three-decade career includes roles as General Staff Officer 1 (Training and Operations), Commanding Officer of the 73 Battalion, Assistant Director (Operational Requirements), and Infantry Representative at the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele confirmed plans to screen Gen. Musa today, saying the exercise is crucial to reinforcing internal peace and stability.
“We cannot delay such a request especially at this crucial time,” Bamidele said, stressing that strong synergy between the Presidency and the National Assembly is vital to sustaining the fight against bandits, extremists, terrorists, and other threats undermining national security.
