President Bola Tinubu emphasized his administration’s zero tolerance for oil theft during his first official meeting with Service Chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies. He made it clear that Nigeria should not be held back by security challenges while other countries are progressing and achieving remarkable milestones.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and led by Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, lasted approximately two hours. Following the meeting, Major Gen. Bafana Monguno (retd), the National Security Adviser, briefed State House correspondents on its outcomes. The President directed the security agencies to present their blueprints for combating security threats.
Monguno stated that the meeting served as an appraisal where the President received updates on the activities of different security formations and conveyed his own philosophy and expectations to the security heads. The President expressed appreciation for the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and paramilitary agencies for their dedicated service and sacrifice. He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives while defending the nation against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, sea robbery, piracy, and other threats.
President Tinubu emphasized his determination to build upon the achievements made thus far and reverse any setbacks. He firmly stated that Nigeria should not struggle while other nations thrive. He urged the security agencies to intensify their efforts in moving the country forward. The President emphasized the need for contemporary security measures that align with the present requirements.
The NSA highlighted the President’s commitment to coordinating national security efforts and creating a unified purpose among all agencies. He stressed that working at cross purposes or colliding with each other would not be tolerated. The President emphasized the importance of coordination, frequent consultations, and timely reporting that leads to action.
Regarding reforms in the security architecture, the President intends to address challenges in the maritime domain, particularly oil theft. He made it clear that he will not tolerate such criminal activities and urged the security agencies to crush them promptly. The President has mandated the agencies to develop a blueprint for addressing these issues, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Additionally, the President emphasized the need to support and equip the armed forces engaged in various operations. He stressed the importance of ensuring their well-being, motivation, and provision of necessary resources.
The President made it known that he would utilize his powers to facilitate operational requirements. He also emphasized the importance of intelligence agencies providing timely and relevant information to support the operations effectively. The President aims to create an environment where the armed forces and intelligence agencies work in synergy to fulfill their assignments.
