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.
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, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs, and the directors-general of the DSS and NIA.
Tinubu gave the directive at the Federal Executive Council meeting, stressing the need for a coherent framework for tackling the nation’s security challenges. 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 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.
The directive is a recognition that Nigeria’s security challenges require a coordinated, long-term approach. The lack of a unified threat assessment and medium-term plan has undermined coordination and resource allocation. The 90-day deadline is ambitious, but the urgency reflects the gravity of the security situation.
The winners: the security agencies, which will have a coordinated framework; and the Nigerian public, who may benefit from improved security. The losers: the terrorist and criminal groups, which face a more coordinated response; and the Nigerian government, which must implement the plan.
Bottom Line: Tinubu has ordered a five-year defence plan. Coordination is the goal. The question is whether the plan will be implemented or remain on paper.