President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of national security strategies, demanding urgent action to end the escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau and Kwara states.

The President, who met with security chiefs at the State House in Abuja for more than two hours, said the killing of innocent people in Borno, Benue and Plateau States must cease.

“Enough is enough,” President Tinubu declared as he once again condemned the senseless targeting of innocent Nigerians.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, told newsmen that the service chiefs briefed the President on all the attacks in the states, the death toll, and the destruction of properties.

The NSA said President Tinubu ordered a new approach to tackling the insecurity problems.

Ribadu noted that President Tinubu was also actively monitoring and giving instructions during his work visit to Paris and London.

“Mr President gave us the chance to come and brief him again. It lasted very long. We gave him an update on what was going on.

“Even when he was out there, he was constantly in touch, giving directives and following developments.

“Today, we had the opportunity to come and brief him again, and it lasted hours. It was a very detailed briefing, and it was exhaustive.

“We listened, and we took instructions from him. He gave us new directives. The fact is that Mr President is insisting that we work harder to restore security in the country.

“We gave him information on what has been happening and assured him of our commitment.

“We had carried out his instructions. We went to places with incidences of insecurity, such as Plateau, Benue, and Borno States.

“We went to those particular three states. We gave him feedback because he had directed us earlier to go and meet with the political authorities there,” he added.

The NSA said the President highlighted the need to involve the local councils and state governments more in tackling insecurity cases.

In a stunning political twist, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement came after a high-level, closed-door meeting held at the Government House in Asaba, the state capital, on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the move on the phone. The decision follows “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long-term development.”

Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election under the PDP platform, was received by top APC chieftains in what is now being described as a strategic political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

More to follow….

Nigeria Customs Service Pledges Cooperation with Online Journalists and publishers to ensure balanced reporting of its activities. This assurance was given by Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who hosted the leadership of Northern Online Reporters and Publishersat the command’s headquarters in Kano.

Welcoming the delegation, Comptroller Abubakar expressed his willingness to foster a mutually beneficial relationship with online journalists, emphasizing that the command remains open to engagement at all times. In a heartfelt moment, he offered condolences to the President of the Northern online reporters and publishers over the tragic loss of his child, reflecting his deep understanding of the challenges faced by media professionals.

“I am one of you,” he stated, noting his previous role as an Assistant Public Relations Officer (PRO) before attaining the Present position within the customs service. He further highlighted the importance of objective and balanced journalism, encouraging reporters to highlight both the achievements and lapses of the agency in a fair manner.

On his part, Musa Muhammad, President of Northern Online Reporters and Publishers, praised the comptroller for his media-friendly approach, acknowledging that the customs service plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic and security landscape. He assured Comptroller Abubakar that the association would work closely with customs officials to propagate their activities, particularly across all 19 northern states.

Muhammad emphasized the influence of online media in shaping public discourse, stressing that majority of Nigerians now turn to digital platforms for news updates. He assured the customs service that their security operations and enforcement efforts would be duly covered, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Among the notable journalists in attendance were Abbas Yushau Yusuf, publisher of The Nigerian Tracker; Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, publisher of Independent Post; and Hadiza Yusuf representing Prime Time.

The engagement marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the media, fostering a partnership rooted in transparency, accountability, and information dissemination to the public.