In Abuja on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu issued a directive to the Service Chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies, instructing them to take decisive action against perpetrators of oil theft.
He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate this menace, and he was determined to address insecurity without allowing it to undermine Nigeria’s progress while other countries thrive in various sectors of their economies.
The President conveyed this directive during his inaugural official meeting with the Service Chiefs and intelligence heads, led by Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.), spoke to journalists after the meeting, revealing that the President had also instructed the heads of security agencies to develop a purpose-made blueprint to tackle insecurity and maintain stability nationwide.
During the two-hour meeting, the security helmsmen briefed President Tinubu on the activities of their respective security formations, while he outlined his expectations. Gen. Monguno stated,
“The President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces has just concluded a meeting of the general security appraisal committee, consisting of the Chief of Staff, service chiefs, Inspector General of Police, and heads of the intelligence agencies.” He further added that the President expressed his appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and paramilitary organizations in defending the nation against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, sea robbery, piracy, and other threats.
President Tinubu made it clear that he intended to build on the progress made and reverse any misfortunes, emphasizing that Nigeria should not lag behind while other countries thrive. He demanded increased efforts from the security agencies and stressed the importance of contemporary security measures that address the present requirements.
Monguno explained, “He has made it very clear that he will not accept a situation in which our fortunes keep declining. And his own trajectory is that national security has to be coordinated, there has to be… whether it is a basket system, but there must be a clearing house. All agencies must work to achieve one single purpose. Working at cross purposes and colliding with each other is not something that he will condone.”
The President intends to implement reforms in the security architecture and pay particular attention to maritime issues, including oil theft. Monguno affirmed, “He is not going to tolerate oil theft. Wherever the problem is coming from, it must be crushed as soon as possible.”
Furthermore, President Tinubu mandated the security agencies to develop a comprehensive blueprint promptly, as he recognized the urgency of the matter. Monguno stated, “The President also has decided that whatever ventures the armed forces are going to be engaged in, they must carry along those operatives in the theatre. They must be well fed, well kitted, motivated, and given all that they require. The intelligence agencies must also make their work easy by providing the type of intelligence that they require to carry out the assignment.”
The President’s commitment to strengthening national security and combating oil theft underscores his determination to ensure a safe and prosperous Nigeria.