President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s security infrastructure, emphasizing that national security remains a top priority.
Speaking at the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, commended the military and security agencies for their relentless efforts in combating threats across the country.
“I applaud the tremendous efforts of the Armed Forces and commend the various joint task forces and security agencies for their tenacity in bringing armed criminals to justice,” Tinubu stated. “Ensuring peace and stability remains our focus, and my administration will continue to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies in their responsibilities.”
Call for Synergy and Technological Advancement
The President also stressed the need for enhanced collaboration among security agencies to address evolving threats effectively. He urged the conference participants to explore innovative solutions, integrate emerging technologies, and foster inter-agency cooperation in tackling security challenges.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, raised concerns over the increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and armed drones by terrorists. He emphasized the urgency for the military to adopt adaptive strategies to counter these threats.
“While we acknowledge our achievements, we must remain vigilant. The evolving security landscape presents new and complex challenges,” Musa stated. “Threats such as armed drones, transnational crimes, and the proliferation of IEDs require technological advancements, intelligence-sharing, and strengthened inter-agency cooperation.”
Legislators Call for Increased Defence Investment
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, called for greater investment in defence and intelligence sectors to enhance security operations. He also advocated restructuring military procurement processes to align with operational needs.
Similarly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Permanent Secretary Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, reaffirmed that maintaining peace and security remains a core pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
House of Representatives Urges Vigilante Collaboration
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to collaborate with local vigilantes in clearing criminal hideouts in forests nationwide.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru, who highlighted Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and militia activities.
“The continued presence of bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals highlights deficiencies in our security architecture. There is an urgent need to reassess and strengthen the nation’s response strategies,” Osawaru noted.
He warned that insecurity threatens economic growth, disrupts food production, and weakens investor confidence, calling for immediate and comprehensive action.
The House, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, mandated its Committees on Police Institutions, Army, Interior, and Legislative Compliance to ensure the directive is implemented and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
