In his very first official engagement with country’s security and intelligence formation on assumption of office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered security chiefs to deal ruthlessly with oil thieves.
Categorically, Tinubu said he will not tolerate the menace and that wherever the problem is coming from it must be crushed as soon as possible.
The president who resumed officially in his office on Tuesday spoke at a meeting with the heads of the nation’s security and intelligence agencies at the presidential villa.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Mungono (rtd), who disclosed this to State House correspondents after the meeting, hinted that Tinubu is set to embark on reforms in the country’s security architecture.
He said, “He is going to embark on a lot of reforms in terms of our security architecture. He is going to take a closer look at our misfortunes in the maritime domain, focusing particularly on the issues of oil theft that he is not going to tolerate. Wherever the problem is coming from it must be crushed as soon as possible.”
Monguno said the president emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, sea robbery, piracy and other security threats.
He added that during the two-hour meeting, President Tinubu expressed his deep appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices made by the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and paramilitary organizations in defending the country.
He paid tribute to those who lost their lives in safeguarding Nigeria’s security and acknowledged the gains achieved so far.
However, he stressed the urgency to build upon these achievements, reverse misfortunes, and restore stability to the nation.
Monguno said, “President Tinubu underlined his determination to ensure that Nigeria does not lag behind other countries in terms of development and security.
“He outlined his philosophy, which focuses on contemporary security measures tailored to the requirements of the present time.
“He emphasised the importance of a unified approach and a coordinated clearing house where all security agencies work together towards a common goal.
“The president unequivocally stated that he will not tolerate agencies working at cross purposes or conflicting with each other.
“He demanded compliance with coordination efforts, frequent consultations, and timely reporting, which should be promptly acted upon.
“President Tinubu intends to initiate reforms in the security architecture, with a particular emphasis on addressing challenges in the maritime domain, notably oil theft.
“The president entrusted the security agencies with developing a blueprint to address these issues urgently. He stressed that time is of the essence, and changes must be implemented promptly.”
Monguno further said President Tinubu pledged his commitment to supporting the operational elements of the armed forces and ensuring they have all the necessary resources, including proper sustenance, equipment, motivation, and support.
Simultaneously, he called upon the intelligence agencies to provide the required intelligence for effective operations.
