President Tinubu expressed his belief that Nigeria should not be crippled by security challenges while other nations are progressing and achieving significant milestones. He conveyed this message during his first official meeting with security and intelligence heads, led by Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
After the two-hour meeting, Major Gen. Bafana Monguno (retd), the National Security Adviser, briefed reporters, stating that the President directed the security agencies to present their strategic plans.
He described the meeting as an appraisal session where the President received briefings on the activities of various security formations and shared his own philosophy and expectations for the security heads.
Monguno explained, “The President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces has just concluded a meeting of the general security appraisal committee consisting of the Chief of Staff service chiefs, Inspector General of Police, and heads of the intelligence agencies. This is the very first meeting he’s had with the heads of the security agencies. The meeting lasted for two hours.”
He continued, “The President has made it very clear that he’s determined to build on whatever gains that have been made and to reverse misfortunes and turn the tide in our favor. As far as he’s concerned, this country should not be on its knees struggling while other countries are working and achieving greater heights.”
President Tinubu stressed the need for the security agencies to intensify their efforts in moving the country forward. He emphasized his contemporary security approach, tailored to address present-day requirements.
Monguno added, “He has made it very clear that he will not accept a situation in which our fortunes keep declining. And his own trajectory is that national security has to be coordinated… All agencies must work to achieve one single purpose. Working at cross purposes and colliding with each other is not something that he will condone.”
Regarding maritime security, the President expressed his intention to scrutinize challenges in the maritime domain, with a particular focus on oil theft. He emphasized that oil theft will not be tolerated, and the problem must be promptly addressed.
Monguno revealed that the President has directed the security agencies to develop a blueprint, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. Reforms in the security architecture will be undertaken swiftly.
Furthermore, the President emphasized the importance of well-equipped, well-motivated, and well-fed operatives in the field. He pledged to provide the necessary support within his powers, while also urging the intelligence agencies to provide relevant intelligence to aid operational success.