President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a high-level security meeting with top military leaders and the Inspector-General of Police at his private residence within the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
This closed-door meeting began shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, following earlier reports that the President was planning to consult with the nation’s security leadership over the increasing violence in several states, particularly Plateau and Benue.
Sources around the Villa noted that a convoy of vehicles transporting senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces and police officials was seen entering the premises earlier in the day, signaling the seriousness of the situation.
President Tinubu had only just returned to the country on Monday night after an 18-day trip that combined official duties and a retreat in Paris and London. Despite his absence, reports confirmed he continued to receive updates on the deteriorating security conditions and issued directives remotely.
The current security crisis, especially in Benue and Plateau, has resulted in devastating loss of life and property. In Benue State, attacks attributed to armed herders left 56 people dead in the communities of Logo and Gbagir. Homes have been destroyed, and over 3,000 residents have been forced to flee their communities.
One senior official with knowledge of the meeting noted, “The President will certainly meet the service chiefs to review the security situation across the country and the flash point of Plateau, Benue and Borno. He has been getting security briefings while away and giving directives to the security chiefs. So, he will meet his security chiefs and ministers too.”
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is also reported to be part of the briefing. Sources close to the presidency say the President is deeply troubled by the wave of attacks and wants urgent actions taken to prevent further bloodshed.
