President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a high-level security meeting with service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at his official residence in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The emergency meeting, which began shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, follows renewed violence and killings in Plateau, Benue, and other flashpoints across the country.
An influx of vehicles carrying heads of the Armed Forces was observed entering the Presidential Villa earlier in the afternoon. Also in attendance is National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The President returned to Abuja late Monday night after an 18-day working visit and retreat in Paris and London. Upon his return, he moved swiftly to address growing security concerns, which include the displacement of thousands and the loss of dozens of lives in recent attacks.
In Benue State alone, at least 56 people were killed in coordinated attacks on Logo and Gbagir, reportedly carried out by armed herders. Homes were also burnt, leaving more than 3,000 people displaced, despite an existing security presence in the area.
Multiple sources close to the presidency say Tinubu is deeply concerned about the rising insecurity and is expected to review both the causes and the current response strategies.
“The President has been receiving intelligence and issuing directives even while abroad,” a top government official revealed. “Now that he is back, he is meeting with his security chiefs to assess the situation and determine new measures to stem the violence.”
The meeting is also expected to include relevant ministers, as the government formulates a coordinated response to the unrest.
More details are expected following the conclusion of the closed-door meeting.
