By Peter Omopo
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday convened a high-level security meeting with service chiefs and heads of major security agencies at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The closed-door session began shortly after 4:30 p.m., when the top military and intelligence officials were seen arriving at the forecourt of the Villa.
The meeting comes less than three hours after Tinubu nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), as Minister of Defence. His nomination followed the sudden resignation of former Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru late Monday night, shortly after Musa was spotted at the State House.
Top Security Brass in Attendance
The delegation was led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede. Others in attendance include:
- Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. W. Shaibu
- Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke
- Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas
- Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Akomaye Undiandeye
- Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi
- Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
The meeting underscores continuing efforts to address Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
Context: Nationwide Security Emergency
Last Wednesday, President Tinubu declared a national security emergency following a surge in abductions and violent attacks across several states. The President announced sweeping measures, including:
- Recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers
- Fresh deployment of armed forest guards
- Strengthened security in schools, churches, mosques, and other vulnerable public spaces
Tuesday’s meeting is widely seen as a continuation of consultations to fast-track the emergency security directives.
Abia Governor Seen at Villa
Also sighted near the President’s office was the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, dressed in a grey native attire and carrying a folder of documents.
As of the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether Otti is participating in the security meeting or had arrived for a separate engagement.
Governor Otti recently made headlines after visiting the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto correctional facility.
More Updates Expected
Details of the ongoing security briefing remain undisclosed as the meeting continues behind closed doors.
