In Abuja on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu issued a strong directive to the Service Chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies. He urged them to decisively tackle the perpetrators of oil theft, emphasizing that his administration would not tolerate such activities.
Furthermore, Tinubu affirmed that under his leadership, Nigeria would not succumb to insecurity while witnessing progress in vital sectors of the economy, as other nations have done.
In his inaugural official meeting with Service Chiefs and intelligence heads, led by Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, President Tinubu issued the directive at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
Following the meeting, National Security Adviser Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.) addressed journalists and disclosed that the President has instructed the heads of security agencies to develop a comprehensive plan to address insecurity and restore order across the nation.
During the two-hour meeting, Monguno stated that the security leaders provided President Tinubu with updates on the activities of their respective security formations, while the President outlined his expectations.
He stated, “The President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces has just concluded a meeting of the general security appraisal committee comprising the Chief of Staff, service chiefs, Inspector General of Police, and heads of the intelligence agencies. This marks his first meeting with the heads of the security agencies, and it lasted for two hours.”
After being briefed by the attendees of the meeting, the President addressed the ongoing challenges facing the nation in terms of insecurity. He also shared his personal approach to handling national security issues.
The President expressed his deep appreciation for the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and other paramilitary organizations for their dedicated efforts over the past few years.
He acknowledged their sacrifices, loyalty, and extended tribute to those who lost their lives while defending the country against various threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, sea robbery, piracy, and more.
“The President has expressed his firm determination to build upon the progress achieved so far and reverse setbacks, turning the tide in our favor,” explained Monguno.
According to Monguno, the President firmly believes that Nigeria should not be struggling while other nations are advancing and attaining greater achievements.
Nevertheless, the President has demanded heightened efforts from the security agencies, emphasizing that his approach aligns with contemporary security measures tailored to the current needs.
“He has unequivocally stated that he will not accept a continuous decline in our fortunes. His vision entails a coordinated approach to national security, involving a clearing house or a similar mechanism to ensure effective collaboration,” Monguno stated.
“All security agencies must align themselves towards a common objective. The President will not tolerate conflicting actions and collisions among them,” asserted the NSA. “He has made it abundantly clear that coordination, regular consultations, and timely actionable reports are essential requirements that all security agencies must adhere to.”
The President intends to initiate substantial reforms in the security architecture, with a particular focus on addressing challenges in the maritime domain. Specifically, he aims to tackle the issue of oil theft and emphasizes that he will not tolerate such illegal activities. Regardless of the source of the problem, the President is determined to crush it swiftly.
The NSA further stated that the President has mandated the security agencies to swiftly provide a comprehensive blueprint for the country, as he recognizes the urgency of the situation and cannot afford any delays.
“The President has also directed that all operatives in the theater must be included and taken into account in any military ventures. They should receive proper provisions, equipment, motivation, and everything they need,” the NSA explained.
The President has emphasized his commitment to support the operational elements to the fullest extent possible, but he also expects the intelligence agencies to facilitate their work by providing the necessary intelligence required to carry out their assignments effectively, added the NSA.
