Top security chiefs are currently providing critical updates on the state of national security during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa. The event, held at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja, is part of ongoing efforts to address the country’s security challenges and review strategies in the wake of escalating threats.

In attendance are representatives of key military and security agencies, including the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police. Other senior officials present include the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, and the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service. Principal staff officers from both the Defence and Services headquarters are also participating in the briefing.

This meeting follows the recent deployment of the CDS, service chiefs, and the Minister of State for Defence to Sokoto State, where they conducted an on-ground assessment of military operations on the directive of President Bola Tinubu. The visit came in response to a resurgence of banditry in the region, which led to the tragic killing of a traditional ruler. The team’s mission was to evaluate the situation, strengthen troop deployments, and formulate strategies to contain the escalating violence in Sokoto and other affected areas.

During today’s meeting, the security chiefs are expected to discuss the outcomes of their assessment in Sokoto, providing detailed insights into the actions being taken to address the growing threat posed by banditry. Reports of increased attacks, kidnappings, and communal violence in northern Nigeria have heightened concerns about national security, putting pressure on the government and security forces to act swiftly.

The briefing will also cover other critical issues, including insurgency in the Northeast, growing criminal activities in other regions, and border security challenges. Attendees are expected to outline tactical adjustments, resource needs, and further directives aimed at safeguarding the country against internal and external threats.

The Katsina command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has engaged its personnel in two-day cyber security and digital literacy training.

Its commandant, Jamilu Indabawa, said the aim was to enhance their performance, especially in cyber resilience.

Mr Indabawa said the training came at the right time. He said the training was organised when the command redoubled its commitment to ensuring the state’s safety and security.

Mr Indabawa, who expressed the belief that all the resource persons were very good at the job, therefore, called on the personnel to pay attention to learn more.

He expressed confidence that whatever the resource persons would dish out would be useful to them, and in the end, the command would have every reason to celebrate.

The commandant expressed hope that, in the end, the beneficiaries would step down the training to their colleagues at various levels.

Mr Indabawa said that the exercise was part of his engagement and collaboration towards enhancing the capacity of the personnel in the state in terms of cyber awareness.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reported the arrest of two skilled female terrorists responsible for ransom negotiations and the elimination of 152 Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) fighters in the past week. According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, these women facilitated ransom deals for the release of kidnapped victims across northern Nigeria.

During the week under review, military operations also led to the arrest of 109 terrorists and the rescue of over 90 hostages. In addition, Joint Task Force troops in the South-South region intercepted petroleum products worth over N795 million, recovering stolen crude oil and refined diesel.

Buba further revealed that the military carried out successful strikes against two prominent terrorist commanders, targeting strongholds in Katsina and Kaduna states. Meanwhile, crude oil theft operations in Rivers State were crippled through air interdictions.

Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja praised the efforts of the armed forces in ensuring national security and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to achieve complete victory over terrorist elements.