President Bola Tinubu has ordered the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately end violence and killings in Borno, Benue, Plateau and Kwara states.
The President also issued a directive for an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of national security operations.
During a meeting at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, President Tinubu, who met with the NSA and service chiefs, stressed the urgent need to end what he described as “senseless killings” of innocent Nigerians.
“Enough is enough,” President Tinubu declared, condemning the persistent violence and insecurity plaguing several regions, according to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The President reiterated his commitment to restoring peace across the nation, particularly in states most affected by attacks and instability.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Ribadu said that President Tinubu had received detailed reports from the service chiefs on the scale of destruction and death tolls in the affected areas.
The NSA confirmed that Tinubu had ordered a new approach to tackling the insecurity problems and that the President had also been actively monitoring and giving instructions during his work visit to Paris and London.
“Mr President gave us the chance to come and brief him again. It lasted very long. We gave him an update on what was going on.
“Even when he was out there, he was constantly in touch, giving directives and following developments,” Ribadu said.
Ribadu disclosed that the President had earlier instructed security leaders to visit the violence-stricken states, meet with political leaders, and assess the situation on the ground.
The NSA confirmed that visits to Borno, Benue, and Plateau states had taken place, with feedback now delivered directly to the President.
Highlighting Tinubu’s resolve, Ribadu said the President stressed the importance of involving local governments and communities in the fight against insecurity.
He said, “The issue of insecurity often is not just at the higher levels. It involves the subunits. 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.
“The President directed that we work more with governors.”
According to Ribadu, the meeting included representatives from the armed forces, the police, and the intelligence community.
He revealed that many of the recent attacks have involved the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and have been concentrated in ungoverned or poorly secured areas.
“The President is deeply worried and very concerned. His instructions were clear: stop the killings, restore order, and ensure the safety of all Nigerians,” Ribadu said.
