Abuja, April 23, 2025 – In a decisive move to curb the escalating violence plaguing parts of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has issued bold new directives aimed at overhauling the nation’s security framework. The announcement, made following a marathon two-hour meeting with security chiefs at the State House in Abuja, underscores the administration’s urgency to restore peace in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states, where attacks on innocent civilians have surged.
President Tinubu, visibly resolute, condemned the relentless targeting of Nigerians, declaring, “Enough is enough.” The directive comes as the nation grapples with a wave of deadly attacks, including the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and assaults in ungoverned areas, which have left communities reeling from the loss of life and property.
A New Approach to Security
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, addressing journalists after the closed-door session, revealed that the President demanded a comprehensive shift in strategy to tackle the insecurity crisis. The meeting, described as “exhaustive,” saw service chiefs provide detailed updates on the violence, including death tolls and property destruction in the affected states.
Ribadu emphasized that President Tinubu, even while on a working visit to Paris and London, remained actively engaged, issuing directives and monitoring developments. “Today, we had the opportunity to brief him again, and it lasted hours. He gave us new directives, insisting that we work harder to restore security in the country,” Ribadu said.
The NSA highlighted the President’s focus on greater collaboration with local governments, state governors, and communities to address the root causes of insecurity. “The issue of insecurity often involves the subunits. They are the ones directly with the people, especially when challenges border on community problems,” Ribadu noted. Tinubu’s directive mandates security agencies to deepen engagement with these stakeholders, recognizing their critical role in resolving localized conflicts.
On-the-Ground Action
Following earlier presidential orders, security chiefs visited Borno, Benue, and Plateau states to assess the situation and meet with political authorities. Ribadu confirmed that the feedback from these visits informed the latest briefing, shaping the new strategies outlined by the President. The administration’s hands-on approach signals a commitment to addressing both the symptoms and structural drivers of violence.
Tinubu’s directives also target the tactics used by attackers, who exploit ungoverned spaces and deploy IEDs to maximize harm. The President’s call for a more proactive and community-driven response aims to disrupt these patterns and protect vulnerable populations.
A Nation on Edge
The President’s stern tone reflects growing public frustration with the persistent insecurity that has disrupted lives and livelihoods across Nigeria. Ribadu described Tinubu as “very worried and concerned” during the meeting, a sentiment echoed by the attendance of top brass from the armed forces, police, and intelligence community. The unified front underscores the gravity of the situation and the administration’s determination to act swiftly.
As Nigeria navigates this critical juncture, Tinubu’s “enough is enough” declaration marks a pivotal moment. The success of the new security directives will hinge on effective implementation, robust coordination with local stakeholders, and the ability to translate high-level resolve into tangible results on the ground.
What’s Next?
Stakeholders Magazine will continue to monitor the rollout of these directives, tracking their impact in the affected states and beyond. The involvement of governors and local councils, as emphasized by the President, could prove a game-changer in addressing community-level conflicts. However, the scale of the challenge demands sustained effort and accountability from all tiers of government.
For now, Nigerians await concrete outcomes from this renewed push for security, hoping that Tinubu’s bold stance will herald a turning point in the fight against violence.
