President Bola Tinubu has stepped up national security efforts following a series of recent attacks on military personnel and worsening insecurity in parts of the country.
On Monday, the President held a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside a senior French military officer. The discussion was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international security cooperation, according to sources familiar with the meeting.
The President also convened an emergency security session with top security chiefs, including the service chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Inspector-General of Police.
The high-level meeting came shortly after a deadly attack in Borno State, where a military commander and six soldiers were killed when their convoy struck an improvised explosive device planted by insurgents during an operation in the North-East.
Presidency officials, speaking anonymously, said the engagements reflect Tinubu’s renewed drive to deepen cooperation with foreign partners, especially France, which has recently pledged support in the form of military equipment and training assistance.
One official described the meeting as part of the administration’s broader strategy to source global support for counterinsurgency operations, noting that the President is actively engaging allies to improve Nigeria’s security capabilities.
Although details of the French delegation were not disclosed, the Presidency confirmed that the engagement aligns with earlier discussions between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding defence collaboration.
The meeting also followed renewed international concern over Nigeria’s security situation. Recently, the United States authorised the voluntary departure of non-essential embassy staff from Abuja and issued updated travel advisories covering several states due to ongoing threats from insurgent groups, banditry, and communal violence.
In response, the Federal Government maintained that while security challenges exist in certain regions, the overall situation does not reflect a nationwide breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, the military confirmed that the recent Borno attack occurred during an operation under Operation Hadin Kai. Troops reportedly engaged insurgents before the convoy struck an explosive device, killing the commanding officer and six other personnel.
The armed forces described the fallen officer as a courageous leader who exemplified dedication and service, noting that his actions reflected professionalism and commitment to his troops even in dangerous conditions.
The attack adds to a growing list of security incidents in the North-East, where military bases and communities have continued to face assaults from insurgents.
In a separate wave of violence, several communities in Benue State also suffered deadly attacks linked to suspected armed herders, resulting in multiple fatalities and displacement of residents.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while additional security deployments have been made to affected areas to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Survivors of recent incidents in the North-East also recounted harrowing experiences, including a market airstrike that left dozens dead and many injured. Some victims described confusion during the operation, while others insisted the location functioned mainly as a livestock trading hub.
The military has defended its operations, stating that targeted strikes are aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks, while also acknowledging that investigations into civilian casualties remain ongoing.
As insecurity continues to escalate across multiple regions, the Presidency says it remains committed to strengthening intelligence, improving coordination among security agencies, and expanding international partnerships to combat terrorism and violent crime.
