- Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with Olufemi Oluyede and a French military official to strengthen security cooperation
- He had earlier convened an emergency security meeting with service chiefs, intelligence heads, and the police leadership over rising insecurity
- The discussions followed deadly attacks in Borno State and operations linked to Operation Hadin Kai, alongside international concern from Amnesty International and the U.S. State Department
President Bola Tinubu on Monday held a closed-door meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and a French military official at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security response.
The meeting, which took place shortly after the President’s return from Bayelsa State, is understood to be part of ongoing international collaboration aimed at tackling insurgency and other security challenges, particularly in the North-East region.
Sources within the Presidency disclosed that the engagement underscores Tinubu’s commitment to seeking external support to bolster Nigeria’s military capabilities. Although the identity of the French general was not revealed, the discussion is believed to be linked to recent agreements between Nigeria and France on defence cooperation.
Earlier on Monday, the President also convened an emergency security meeting with top military and intelligence officials. Those present included the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, and the Inspector-General of Police.
The high-level meetings come in the wake of a deadly attack in Borno State, where insurgents deployed an improvised explosive device that killed a senior military officer and six soldiers. The incident occurred in Monguno under the theatre of Operation Hadin Kai, highlighting the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.
According to military sources, the fallen commander died while attempting to assess the situation on the ground following an exchange of gunfire between troops and insurgents. The attack is the latest in a string of assaults targeting military formations in the North-East.
The President’s meeting with the French official follows earlier remarks confirming that France had agreed to provide Nigeria with military equipment and training support. Tinubu had revealed that the agreement was reached after discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, as part of broader efforts to secure international assistance.
Meanwhile, concerns over Nigeria’s security situation have intensified following a recent airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force near the Yobe-Borno border. The operation, which targeted insurgent positions, reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, drawing criticism from Amnesty International, which called for an independent investigation.
Adding to the тревell climate, the United States Department of State recently authorised the voluntary departure of non-essential embassy staff from Abuja, citing worsening security conditions. However, the Federal Government has downplayed the advisory, insisting that the situation remains largely under control.
As security challenges persist across multiple regions, the Tinubu administration continues to pursue both domestic and international strategies to address the threats and restore stability.