Tinubu to Meet Service Chiefs over Rising Insecurity

President Bola Tinubu is set to meet with service chiefs and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, following his return to Abuja from an 18-day working visit to Paris and London. The meeting aims to address the surge in killings across Plateau, Benue, and other parts of the country.

Tinubu arrived in Abuja on Monday night aboard the Air Force 001 aircraft, which landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 9:50 p.m., according to the State House media office.

Since April 2, over 120 people have been killed in attacks by armed assailants, with thousands displaced and homes destroyed, despite the presence of security forces. In Benue State alone, at least 56 people were killed in Logo and Gbagir communities in attacks linked to armed herders.

A top government official confirmed that Tinubu, who received security briefings while abroad, will hold a security review with top officials, including ministers.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has blamed state governors for failing to adequately fund security in their domains despite receiving substantial security votes. Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, criticized some governors for allocating meagre funds to federal security agencies while hoarding billions in security votes.

Bwala, speaking on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines, argued that effective use of existing resources could significantly reduce insecurity. He opposed the idea that state police is the only solution, instead urging governors to invest in equipment, surveillance tools, and community-based security initiatives.

He also warned that states struggling to pay salaries cannot sustain state police forces, calling instead for strategic deployment of existing resources. Bwala encouraged governors to create local vigilante units and support federal agencies rather than rely on excuses of limited authority.

Amid the security crisis, former Chief of Army Staff, Theophilus Danjuma, reignited calls for self-defence by citizens, stating in Taraba State that Nigerians can no longer depend solely on government protection.

This sparked mixed reactions. Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi rejected the idea, warning it could lead to anarchy. He highlighted peaceful resolutions through dialogue in his state’s farmer-herder conflicts.

Similarly, Nasarawa State’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, said the state’s investment in security has made self-defence unnecessary. He urged continued cooperation with security agencies.

However, stakeholders in Plateau and Taraba backed Danjuma’s call, citing years of unrelenting violence. Security officer Jackson Dauda and youth leader Danladi Philip emphasized that communities must be empowered to defend themselves when the state fails to act.

Contrarily, security expert Dr. Simon Nuhu warned that self-defence initiatives could escalate violence and instability, advocating for stronger policing and addressing root causes of insecurity.

The Ter Tiv of Taraba, David Tela, acknowledged the improved security in Taraba under Governor Agbu Kefas, but resident Tanko Useni insisted that Danjuma's advice is necessary given ongoing killings and displacement.

Others, including Solomon Kurmanga, Permanent Secretary in Adamawa State’s Ministry of Information, supported self-defence, urging governors to empower locals due to the apparent inability of federal agencies to cope.

Retired generals weighed in on the controversy. Brig. Gen. Peter Aro (retd.) described Danjuma’s call as a wake-up call, not a literal call to arms. He proposed forming Neighbourhood Watch Units led by retired military personnel under a legal framework to bolster community security.

Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinibi (retd.) recommended each geopolitical zone create security outfits like Amotekun in the South-West. He called for decentralization of security and better border control.

Brig. Gen. George Emdin (retd.) supported the idea of self-defence to resist attacks but warned that widespread arming of civilians could lead to chaos. He stressed the need for a proactive approach in dealing with bandits.

Maj. Gen. Dayo Olukoju (retd.) emphasized that the constitution places the responsibility for security on the government and cautioned against taking the law into one’s hands.

The police, through Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, announced plans to address the issues in an upcoming press conference.

Meanwhile, residents of Plateau State protested the recent killings, with over 100 people reportedly killed in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs in two weeks. The protest, led by Christian leaders including Rev. Polycarp Lubo of the Christian Association of Nigeria, caused major gridlock in Jos and ended at the Rayfield Government House.

Dr. Amos Mohzo, President of COCIN and leader of the Church Denominational Leaders Forum, urged the government to take stronger action. He reminded officials that protection of citizens is a constitutional right, not a privilege.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang assured protesters that his administration is tracking all attacks and working to restore peace.