President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate preparation of a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a rolling five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening coordination among Nigeria’s defence, intelligence and security agencies, and ensuring effective responses to evolving security threats nationwide.
This is contained in a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The President’s Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Famadewa, will coordinate and provide secretariat support for the 11-member committee constituted to prepare the strategic defence operations plan.
Members include the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; and Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Matawalle.
Others are the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Ajayi, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Muhammed Muhammed, are also members.
Tinubu gave the directive at the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja, stressing the need for a coherent framework for tackling the nation’s security challenges.
The President said the framework would establish a common understanding of the threats confronting Nigeria, operational objectives and the capabilities required to address them.
He cited recent security successes, including the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as evidence of the importance of improved inter-agency coordination.
“The operation demonstrated what can be achieved when our agencies work together with a clear objective and the necessary intelligence. We must build on such successes by strengthening coordination and ensuring that all our security capabilities are directed towards clearly defined national objectives,” Tinubu said.
The President observed that operational requirements were often considered individually, without sufficient reference to an agreed national threat assessment or unified medium-term plan.
He said this approach could complicate coordination, weaken strategic planning and limit the efficient deployment of resources across the country’s security theatres.
Tinubu directed that the National Threat Assessment should identify the principal threats facing Nigeria, determine their relative urgency and establish operational objectives for addressing them.
He said the Strategic Defence Operations Plan would translate the assessment into clear priorities, including the forces and capabilities required in each theatre, existing gaps, equipment and support needs, as well as an implementation timetable.
“The committee may consult or co-opt representatives of other ministries, departments and agencies where their expertise or participation is required.”
Tinubu directed the committee to commence work immediately and submit the completed National Threat Assessment and Strategic Defence Operations Plan for his consideration and approval within 90 days.
“Once approved, the plan will serve as the principal framework for coordinating military and defence operations over the medium term.
“It will also provide the basis for a corresponding multi-year defence expenditure and procurement plan, ensuring that resources are directed towards agreed operational priorities and critical national security requirements.”
The President further directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser to take all necessary steps to give immediate effect to the directives. (NAN)
