Category: Featured

• States, LGs, communities must join federal effort — CDS

• Says national peace, stability requires inclusive governance

• Receives Alaafin, reaffirms focus on education, healthcare, cultural values

President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned the procurement of more fire power for the military and given them the marching order for the immediate implementation of new security strategies following the recent surge in terrorism, especially in parts of the north..

The President handed down the directive yesterday during a high-level security meeting at the State House, Abuja with security and intelligence chiefs to review the worsening security situation in Plateau, Benue, Borno and other flashpoints across the country.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who briefed reporters at the end of the meeting, said the President expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence, which he attributed largely to transnational terrorist pressure across the Sahel region.

“There is a global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area, and that pressure is what actually came into Nigeria because of the nature of our borders,” Musa said.

He added: “Mr. President has given directives as to what to do next—for us to intensify our efforts and collaborate with all our sister countries around. It is the porous nature of our borders that is aggravating our issues on the ground.”

The CDS said that all operational theatres across the country have already been reinforced with new equipment while the President recently approved the acquisition of additional air assets to boost the armed forces’ response capacity.

“Equipment has been bought and Mr. President has also given us multiple approvals for air assets and other aspects of security. But it’s not only about the kinetic effort—the non-kinetic aspect is most important too”, he disclosed.

The Defence Chief emphasised that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach was being adopted, with the President expected to engage state governors on efforts to promote grassroots development and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach vulnerable communities, thereby addressing one of the root causes of insecurity.

“The President is also looking at engaging the governors for their support and buy-in, ensuring that dividends of democracy extend to the communities to help stamp down insecurity,” General Musa said.

Also present at the meeting were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi; Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sadiq Idris Abubakar; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.

General Musa underscored the importance of unity among the security agencies, stressing that the current approach is built on inter-agency collaboration and a shared commitment to peace.

“You can see we are together—the National Security Adviser, the DG DSS, and all the service chiefs. Members of the armed forces are working in unity, including the police, to make sure that Nigeria is peaceful. That is our mandate, and we are committed to it.”

But he warned against the spread of fake news and sensational social media contents, many of which he said are recycled or foreign videos that do not reflect the current situation in Nigeria.

His words:“There’s a lot of fake news being spread out, making it look worse than it is. Most of the videos being circulated are from other countries or old footage made to look new.

“Why do some individuals feel happy when things go bad in their country? If Nigeria is destroyed, we all go down. So it is important that we all cooperate with the armed forces and security agencies.”

The Defence Chief also reassured residents of Borno, Plateau, and other affected states of the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability.

He revealed that top military and ministerial officials have recently visited the North-East to strengthen coordination with state governments.

“We were just in the North-East with the ministers. I just came back from Maiduguri. We’re working together with the governors because we know we cannot do it alone. The federal government is doing so much, but states need to come in,” he said.

NAF to acquire additional 49 aircraft in 2 years – CAS

Also yesterday, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) would receive additional 49 aircraft within the next two years to bolster its operations.

Abubakar spoke during the induction of two newly acquired Agusta 109S Trekker Helicopters as part of activities marking the 61st Anniversary of the NAF, yesterday in Abuja.

He said the 49 aircraft being expected include 10 additional A-109S trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.

Read Also: Tinubu committed to inclusive governance — Bwala

“These acquisitions will significantly bolster our precision strike, ground attack, and air mobility capabilities, to support our counter terrorism, and counterinsurgency operations.

“The dynamic security landscape of our nation demands an agile, well-equipped and responsive Air Force capable of rapid deployment across multiple theatres.

“This reality underscores the need for continuous investments in modern platforms to bolster the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver air power across all spectrums of warfare.” he said.

The acquisition of the Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, he said, was a significant leap in the Air Force’s modernisation efforts.

Abubakar said NAF had from 2024 to date received a total of nine brand new aircraft into its inventory, comprising four C-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, as well as the two Agusta 109 trekkers helicopters being inducted.

Vice President Kashim Shettima who inducted the Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on behalf of President Tinubu praised the NAF for its commitment to advancing national security objectives.

He recalled the NAF’s engagements in countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Mali, describing the Air Force as a “cynosure of operational excellence” and a source of pride for Nigeria.

He said: “Today’s ceremony marks another milestone in our unwavering commitment to strengthen our Armed Forces, particularly the Air Force, towards a more secured country.

“This acquisition, made alongside platforms such as the Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft, the T-129 ATAK helicopters, and the King Air 360i aircraft, underscores our resolve to prioritise fleet modernisation and the welfare of our men and women in uniform.”

He reiterated that security remained a top priority of his administration and assured the military of continued support in line with the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, “neither economic prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity.

Tinubu receives Alaafin, says national peace, stability requires inclusive governance

Moments after his meeting with security chiefs yesterday, President Tinubu received the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, his wife, Abiwumi, and a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State.

The President emphasised that the peace and stability of Nigeria depend on inclusive governance and collective action, stressing that national development cannot be achieved in isolation.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to prioritising education and healthcare, in view of their importance to national development.

Tinubu also stressed the need to preserve and promote cultural values, stating that the federal government remains open to meaningful participation from all sectors of society.

The President said his administration would continue working with traditional institutions to implement policies to protect and prosper citizens.

“The peace and stability of our nation requires inclusiveness. This job is not one you can do alone. We have to pull ourselves together to build a nation of prosperity.

“Our priority is still education and medicare. We want to uplift education and cultural values. Our door is open for participation,” he stated.

The President said traditional institutions remain integral to the country’s development and called for more support in implementing policies that directly impact people’s livelihoods.

President Tinubu congratulated the Alaafin for his ascendancy to the historic throne, assuring the royal father of his prayers and support.

“It is a great joy for me and a great honour. Your ascendancy to the throne of your fathers is historic. It is the will of God and the heart of the people.

“I am following up on your foresight for development, your humility, and the fact that you uphold the traditions of your people.

“The inherited tradition is the making of the Almighty God. Your ascendancy to the throne, like my becoming the president, is the divine will of the Almighty God,” he said.

In his remarks, Alaafin assured the President of the traditional council’s support in delivering his mandate to the people.

“Today, I speak not just as the custodian of culture and tradition but as a voice for my people, who are deeply honoured by the audience you have granted us here at the heart of the national leadership.

“Your gracious reception is more than protocol. It is a mark of your character, statesmanship and enduring regard for the traditional institutions.

“The people of Oyo remember your journey as a man who rose through the crucible of political struggle with unmatched courage and charity.

“You won many hearts as an activist, strategist, bridge builder and now as the nation’s foremost leader.”

The monarch said Nigerians look up to the President for a new direction.