President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday convened top security officials at the Presidential Villa to receive a detailed briefing on the current security situation and ongoing military operations against terrorists and bandits across Nigeria.
The closed-door meeting came in the wake of renewed assaults in the North-East, where terrorists, reportedly linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have attacked multiple military bases, resulting in the deaths of several soldiers, including senior officers.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the session, Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), said the briefing provided the president with an updated assessment of military operations and the overall security landscape.
“The meeting was for the services to brief Mr President on the current situation on the ground,” Musa said. “You know there have been a series of attacks, and our security forces have risen to the occasion.”
Musa noted that some media reports have occasionally misrepresented the security situation. “We felt it was important to put the record straight,” he said, while praising President Tinubu for his unwavering support of the armed forces and other security agencies.
Despite recent attacks, the defence chief assured Nigerians that the military has inflicted significant losses on insurgents and bandits. “The terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties, and their commanders are being killed,” Musa stated. He also acknowledged the deaths of some courageous officers during ongoing operations.
Musa further revealed that President Tinubu has approved the acquisition of additional equipment to strengthen the fight against terrorism and banditry. “Mr President has promised more equipment to help us prosecute the war effectively,” he said.
Highlighting operational adjustments, Musa explained that insurgents often escalate attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, believing such actions carry spiritual rewards. “In the past few days, we have taken over several locations and neutralised some of their commanders,” he said.
The Minister of Defence urged Nigerians not to lose hope, emphasizing that security agencies are working collaboratively to restore peace. “We are working together as a team, and we are confident we will succeed,” he added.
Those present at the meeting included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, and the Directors-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, and State Security Service, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
