Tinubu Urges Military to Embrace Innovation, Jointness in Tackling Security Challenges
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to adopt innovative and proactive strategies in addressing the nation’s evolving security threats.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Chief of Defence Staff’s Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, emphasised the importance of collaboration among security agencies.
Themed “Enhancing Jointness across all Theatres of Operations,” the conference aims to strengthen operational efficiency and coordination within the military.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s security landscape is constantly changing, requiring a unified and strategic approach to counter threats effectively.
The president underscored the necessity of inter-agency cooperation, urging the military, police, intelligence units, and other security agencies to work as a cohesive force.“Beyond the jointness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, it is vital for us to explore effective integration of the military, police, intelligence, and security agencies. Such an integrated approach will further strengthen our resolve to attain stipulated strategic objectives,” he stated.
He commended the military’s relentless efforts in combating criminal activities across the country and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in fulfilling their mandate.
President Tinubu encouraged military commanders to leverage emerging technologies and innovative tactics to enhance their effectiveness.
He stressed the importance of adaptability, urging the forces to remain “agile, adaptable, and lethal” in neutralising threats.
The conference, he noted, provides an opportunity for top military leaders to reassess their strategies, improve operational tactics, and reinforce a culture of synergy.Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasised the urgent need for the Nigerian military to harness technology, enhance intelligence-sharing, and foster stronger interagency cooperation to counter evolving security threats.
Gen. Musa commended the dedication of military personnel operating in various theatres across the country. He acknowledged their sacrifices in combating insurgency, terrorism, and banditry, attributing recent operational successes to their professionalism and unity of purpose.
Despite these achievements, the CDS cautioned against complacency, noting that the security landscape continues to evolve, introducing new and complex threats.”Evolving threats, such as the use of armed drones, transnational crimes, and the proliferation of improvised explosive devices, demand innovative and adaptive responses,” Musa stated.
Gen. Musa reiterated the importance of “jointness,” the seamless integration of the armed forces across all operational domains, as a crucial factor in achieving success.
He urged commanders to remain committed to teamwork, resource sharing, and collective mission execution.”The concept of jointness is at the core of our operational success and is a pillar of my leadership vision: to nurture a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric, capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and collaborative environment,” he said.
The defence chief expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the armed forces and security agencies.
He emphasised that national security remains a shared responsibility, urging all stakeholders to work together toward a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, echoed Musa’s call for technological advancement and intelligence-driven operations.
As the conference continues, military leaders are expected to deliberate on actionable strategies that will keep Nigeria’s security forces ahead of emerging threats, ensuring peace and stability in the country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed, lauded the military’s commitment to national security and peace.
He highlighted the role of diplomacy in complementing military efforts, emphasising Nigeria’s leadership in regional stability.“The military’s ability to adapt and confront novel threats is commendable.
However, tackling insecurity must go beyond the conventional military approach to include diplomatic, economic, and social dimensions,” Tuggar said.In his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Sen.
Ahmed Lawan, advocated for increased investment in defence and intelligence sectors. He also called for a restructuring of military procurement processes to ensure efficiency and alignment with the needs of the services.
“The National Assembly remains committed to supporting the military, and we have taken steps to increase funding for the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the 2025 budget,” Lawan stated.
