President Bola Tinubu has given a stern directive to the heads of the nation’s security and intelligence agencies, urging them to enhance their cooperation and coordination to tackle the insecurity challenges facing the country.
The President gave the directive during a meeting with the service chiefs on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, briefed the press after the meeting, saying that the President demanded more frequent consultations among the agencies.
He also said that the security chiefs were instructed to devise a strategy for addressing the problem of crude oil theft, which poses a threat to the nation’s economy.
Monguno said: “The President has made it clear that he expects the security agencies to intensify their efforts. His philosophy emphasizes contemporary security measures that align with current demands.”
President Tinubu, who was sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th president on Monday, expressed his dissatisfaction with the declining national fortunes and stressed the importance of a coordinated security approach.
“Working at cross purposes and colliding with each other is not something that he will condone,” Monguno said, emphasizing the President’s call for all security agencies to commit to increased coordination, consultation, and timely reporting.
The NSA also said that the President was committed to building on security achievements, reversing adversities, and shifting the balance in the country’s favour.
He said that Nigeria should not be struggling while other nations are making strides.
He added: “He appreciated the armed forces and intelligence agencies for their dedication and sacrifice in recent years, and he paid tribute to those who died defending this country from threats such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, and piracy.”
President Tinubu emphasized the need for significant security reforms, especially addressing misfortunes in the maritime domain and the issue of oil theft.
“He has already mandated the security agencies to create a blueprint to address these problems promptly. He doesn’t have the luxury of time,” Monguno said.
He concluded by saying that the President promised to provide whatever support necessary for the operational and intelligence agencies to make their work more efficient.
Among those present at the President’s meeting with the heads of the nation’s security and intelligence agencies were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao; and the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba.
