Nigeria’s President Advocates for a Gulf of Guinea Security Force President Bola Tinubu has put forward a strategic initiative to enhance maritime security in West Africa by proposing the establishment of an African Union (AU) maritime task force. He envisions Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, as the headquarters for this security force, aiming to protect the Gulf of Guinea from threats such as piracy and illicit activities. Call for a United Maritime Task Force During an AU meeting in Ethiopia, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, who represented Tinubu, emphasized the urgency of prioritizing a collaborative approach to regional maritime security. He stated, “The African Union Peace and Security Council must take decisive action to create a unified maritime task force for the Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria is prepared to host its headquarters in Lagos.” Nigeria Strengthens Its Role in AU Security Initiatives On the same occasion, Nigeria reinforced its leadership in continental security by signing a significant agreement with the AU. This agreement positions the Nigerian Navy as a key player in AU-led peace missions, natural disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and personnel transport. The AU will finance the operational costs, ensuring sustainability. Formalizing the Security Agreement The pact was officially endorsed by Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Badaru Abubakar, and AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, marking a new phase in Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and security. Regional Security and Counter-Terrorism Expansion Additionally, Tinubu welcomed the transformation of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism centre into a regional security hub, addressing the escalating security challenges across the Sahel region. He attributed much of the instability to ongoing conflicts in Libya, which continue to affect security dynamics across Africa. Leveraging UN Support for AU Peacekeeping Tinubu advocated for harnessing the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to enhance AU peacekeeping missions. He underscored the necessity of reducing reliance on foreign military interventions, including private security firms, in addressing Africa’s security concerns. African Union Official Website READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s internal security through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and improved inter-agency collaboration. Represented by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at the graduation of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 17, Tinubu called the ceremony a transformative moment for the nation’s security framework. The event at NISS, Lower Usuma Dam, Abuja, celebrated the completion of a 10-month AI-focused Inter-Agency Security Intelligence Training. Among the 91 Fellows of the Security Institute (fsi) were participants from Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Chad, Rwanda, and Ghana, showcasing regional collaboration. Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, as well as Senate President (represented by Professor Anthony Ani), Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa. President Tinubu commended the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) for fostering innovation and collaboration. He urged graduates to leverage their expertise in intelligence production, cross-agency coordination, and security management. Advancing AI-Driven Security Vice President Shettima highlighted the significance of adopting AI solutions for modern security challenges. He encouraged graduates to apply their training to strengthen national security. Similarly, the Senate President emphasized the importance of inter-agency synergy in tackling evolving threats. DSS Director General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi detailed the evolution of NISS from its inception in 1999 as the Abuja Training School to its current status as a premier security training institute, enhanced by a legislative upgrade in 2019. Ajayi praised the program’s success and credited President Tinubu for his steadfast support of security initiatives. Regional Collaboration and Innovation The inclusion of representatives from other intelligence agencies, such as the DIA and NIA, reflects NISS’s expanded mandate for regional engagement. The event also spotlighted Nigeria’s commitment to counter transnational security threats using technology-driven strategies. Chairing the occasion, former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu called for increased funding for the DSS and continuity in leadership reforms. Retired DSS Directors General announced the creation of a Forum of Retired DSS DGs to provide expertise and ensure smooth transitions in leadership. The event underscored Nigeria’s focus on technology-driven countermeasures and collaboration to address complex security challenges. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
