President meets military and intelligence chiefs after major operations in Zamfara, Katsina and the North-East as security concerns persist

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday convened a high-level Tinubu Security Meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, bringing together the country’s military leadership, intelligence chiefs and senior security advisers for an extensive review of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

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The closed-door meeting, which lasted more than two hours, came against the backdrop of intensified military operations in the North-West and North-East, where security forces have recently recorded significant gains against terrorist and bandit groups even as attacks on military formations continue.

Among those in attendance were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (retd.), Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Isa, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector-General of Police Olatunde Disu, Director-General of the Department of State Services Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed, and the President’s Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.).

Although the Presidency did not immediately disclose details of the discussions, officials familiar with the meeting said it centred on assessing the country’s security situation across multiple theatres of operation and reviewing ongoing military and intelligence efforts.

The meeting followed a series of major security operations announced earlier this week.

On July 7, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, disrupted what the military described as a planned large-scale terrorist offensive spanning Zamfara and Katsina states.

According to military authorities, three Air Force aircraft tracked a convoy of about 300 heavily armed terrorists travelling on motorcycles before carrying out precision airstrikes.

In another operation, security forces also neutralised Alhaji Tukur, identified by the military as a notorious bandit commander and younger brother of wanted kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye, during an operation in Dogon Kade.

Meanwhile, security operations have remained intense in the North-East, where troops of Operation Hadin Kai recently repelled another attack on the Mairari military base.

Military authorities have expressed concern over what analysts describe as a coordinated effort by the Islamic State West Africa Province to target forward operating bases across Borno State.

At least 13 attacks on military formations have reportedly been recorded since the beginning of 2026, highlighting the continuing security challenges confronting the armed forces.

Thursday’s Tinubu Security Meeting also reflects the Federal Government’s continued reliance on regular strategic engagements with security agencies as it seeks to respond to persistent threats from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

The latest session builds on similar consultations held earlier this year. Following a security briefing in March, Defence Minister Christopher Musa reassured Nigerians that the armed forces were making measurable progress despite recurring attacks.

“Contrary to what you may read or hear, the terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed every day. We are confident of victory,” Musa told State House correspondents after that meeting.

While no official communiqué had been issued at the time of filing this report, observers say the gathering underscores the administration’s determination to maintain close coordination among the military, intelligence community and law enforcement agencies as security operations continue across the country.

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The meeting also comes as public attention remains firmly focused on the government’s efforts to contain insurgency in the North-East, curb banditry in the North-West and strengthen internal security nationwide through improved intelligence sharing and joint operations.