Tinubu to military: synergise to combat insecurity

• calls for effective integration of the military, police, others

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called the military to thoroughly examine the concept of jointness, leveraging emerging technologies and innovation to tackle the country’s security challenges.
The President urged the military to take a comprehensive approach, exploring every aspect of jointness in detail, to ensure they are well-equipped to address the various security threats facing the country.
Tinubu said this On Wednesday when he spoke as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders’ Conference, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
Represented by Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, the President implored all the services to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts, as it is only through that that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will “remain an agile, adaptable and lethal force performing at its highest potential.”
He said the conference with the theme: “Enhancing Jointness across all Theatres of Operations”, was a germane effort by the military to bolster efficiency towards addressing the security challenges confronting the country.
The president said: “This forum is expedient and timely especially at this time when the security landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving. Such a landscape undoubtedly requires us to harmonize our efforts and evolve proactive and innovative measures that can decisively address the security threats.
“It is for this reason that the theme of this Conference resonates deeply with me. As it is only through jointness, synergy, and cooperation that we can leverage our collective strengths and unique capabilities to present a unified front against all threats to our nation.
“Beyond the jointness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, it is vital for us to explore effective integration of the military, police, intelligence and security agencies. Such an integrated approach will further strengthen our resolve to attain stipulated strategic objectives.
“While I applaud the tremendous efforts of the Armed Forces, I wish to also commend the various joint task forces and security agencies operating across the country for demonstrating the tenacity to bring all armed criminals to book. This has been instrumental in ensuring peace and stability within our country.
“Let me assure you that I have prioritised Nigeria’s security and will remain committed to supporting our Armed Forces and other security and paramilitary agencies in discharging assigned tasks and responsibilities.”
He said the conference would provide a unique forum for all Services Chiefs and Commanders of the Joint Task Forces to re-evaluate their operations, re-strategize, and chart better ways for more effective performance.
“I therefore urge you to holistically explore, in detail, the concept of jointness, while harnessing the power of emerging technologies and innovation,” Tinubu said.
“I further implore you to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria to remain an agile, adaptable, and lethal force performing at its highest potential.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the theme of the conference, was carefully crafted to specifically target a perennial challenge that has negatively impacted our overall efforts.
According to him, the theme focuses on the concept of jointness as a major determinant for operational success, particularly within the context of a complex and dynamic contemporary security environment.
He said: “The concept of jointness remains at the core of our operational success and is a pillar of my leadership concept… as Commanders, you play a pivotal role in fostering this spirit of collaboration. I therefore urge you to continue building bridges, sharing resources, and working as a cohesive team. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will prevail.
“The security landscape continues to evolve, presenting new and complex challenges. Evolving threats, such as the employment of armed drones, transnational crimes, and the proliferation of improvised explosive devices, demand innovative and adaptive responses.
“This conference is, therefore, an opportunity to critically examine these challenges and develop actionable strategies to address them. We must leverage technology, enhance intelligence-sharing, and strengthen interagency cooperation to stay ahead of these threats.”
The Chairman Senate Committee on Defence and former Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, urged for more funding for the armed forces to enable it to combat insecurity.
He said: “I believe that next year we should have more than 4.9 trillion naira for the Armed Forces and other security agencies. We should continue to invest in security until we secure this country.
“I believe that no investment today in Nigeria is better than investing in the security of life and property of Nigerians. Any other thing can fall in place. If we are able to provide security for our citizens, to protect our borders, in fact, we don’t need to go anywhere to invite, many foreign direct investments into our country. People will flow in with their resources into our country. And even our people will have no need or reason to look elsewhere to invest because of insecurity.”
Lawan, however, said that beyond the provision of resources, the military should imbibe the culture of prudence.
He called for centralisation of procurement of defence hardware, which he said should coordinated by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Headquarters, as obtainable in developed countries.
Present at the event were the former Chiefs of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinein, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia, Gen. Martins Luther Agwai, Gen. Lucky Irabor, former Chiefs of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahya, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, present Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, Controller-General of the Nigeria Custom Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Director-General National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed, members of the National Assembly, and Commanders of Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yanma, Safe Haven, Udoka, Delta Safe.