By Zainab Imam
In a bold and urgent response to Nigeria's worsening security challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared an end to the current trend of violence and bloodshed ravaging several parts of the country. At a decisive high-level security meeting held on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu issued a stern directive to the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, and heads of security agencies, mandating a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The President's strong words—“enough is enough”—come on the heels of recent and gruesome attacks in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states, where dozens of innocent Nigerians have lost their lives to insurgents, bandits, and communal clashes.
The meeting, which brought together the nation’s top security leadership, was followed by a press briefing by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who conveyed the President’s directive to the public. Ribadu revealed that President Tinubu was visibly disturbed by the spate of violence and has insisted that the era of reactive security measures must give way to proactive, community-based interventions.
According to Ribadu, the President emphasized the need for joint operations, intelligence-sharing, and strengthened partnerships between the federal government, state governors, local authorities, and traditional institutions. "The President made it clear—peace and security must be restored. He has directed all agencies to work together and ensure that citizens can sleep with both eyes closed," Ribadu said.
Ribadu further underscored the President's personal commitment to resolving Nigeria's security challenges, noting that Tinubu remained engaged with military briefings even during his recent official engagements abroad. "He doesn’t delegate concern for the safety of Nigerians—he lives it. He wants to see immediate changes on the ground,” he added.
Sources at the meeting hinted that President Tinubu has also asked the National Security Council to begin the process of decentralizing operational command to allow more autonomy and faster decision-making at the zonal and state levels.
As the country grapples with multi-dimensional threats ranging from terrorism to farmer-herder conflicts, kidnapping for ransom, and cult-related violence, this renewed presidential directive signals a shift toward a more integrated and grassroots-driven approach.
For many Nigerians, Tinubu's stance offers a glimmer of hope amid a sea of anxiety. The challenge now lies in the swift and faithful implementation of his marching orders—because for families mourning loved ones and communities living in fear, “enough is enough” is not just a slogan. It is a demand for action.