According to a senior government official who spoke with newsmen, Tinubu has been receiving regular security briefings while abroad and is “concerned” about the killings and displacement of thousands.
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu is expected to meet with service chiefs and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, following his return from an 18-day working visit to Paris and London.
The meeting is to address the escalating violence in parts of Plateau, Benue, and Borno states, which has claimed over 120 lives since April 2.
According to a senior government official who spoke with newsmen, Tinubu has been receiving regular security briefings while abroad and is “concerned” about the killings and displacement of thousands. He is now set to directly review operations and provide fresh directives to contain the violence.
Despite deployments by security agencies, communities continue to suffer deadly attacks, with Benue State alone recording at least 56 deaths in recent weeks. This has prompted widespread criticism of the federal and state governments’ response to the security crisis.
Presidency Shifts Blame to Governors
Presidential aide Daniel Bwala sparked debate after accusing governors of mismanaging security votes, which range between N1bn and N3bn monthly in some states.
“Some governors allocate only N20 million monthly to key agencies like the police, DSS, and army. What happens to the rest of the funds?” Bwala asked during a TVC interview. He argued that state executives have the power—under the current structure—to significantly boost local security if they commit resources effectively.
Danjuma’s Call for Self-Defence Divides the Nation
The return of former Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma’s 2018 call for self-defence has reignited debate across Nigeria. Speaking recently in Taraba State, Danjuma insisted communities must defend themselves, saying reliance on government forces is no longer sustainable.
His remarks drew sharp criticism from Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa, who warned that encouraging self-defence could lead to nationwide anarchy. “It will create conflict between farmers and herders and undermine our peace efforts,” Namadi cautioned.
However, the call resonated in Plateau and Taraba States, where residents and local leaders say government security measures have failed. “Our people are being killed, and the security agencies are overwhelmed,” said Tanko Useni, a resident of Taraba. In Plateau, stakeholders like security officer Jackson Dauda described self-defence as “legitimate and necessary.”
While some security experts backed Danjuma’s sentiment, others warned of the dangers of arming civilians. Retired Brig. Gen. Peter Aro advocated instead for community-based security frameworks led by trained veterans. “We need more guardians, not more guns,” Aro said.
In a similar vein, Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinibi (retd.) called for each geopolitical zone to replicate the Amotekun model of regional security, citing its success in the South-West.
Meanwhile, protests erupted in Jos, Plateau State on Monday, with Christian leaders and residents demanding urgent government action to end the violence. “We cannot continue to bury our people while those responsible walk free,” said Rev. Polycarp Lubo, CAN Chairman in the state.
The Presidency is expected to make a formal statement on the security situation after the meeting with service chiefs.
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