President Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a high-level, closed-door meeting with the nation's service chiefs at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening.
First Security Meeting Since Defence Minister's Inauguration
This significant gathering marks President Tinubu's first direct engagement with the military high command since he swore in General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the Minister of Defence on December 4, 2025. The meeting underscores the administration's ongoing focus on national security matters.
According to reports, the security chiefs arrived at the forecourt of the Villa and were promptly ushered into the President's office. The meeting commenced at approximately 06:01 pm local time on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Strategic Timing Following Regional Security Development
The closed-door session comes at a critical juncture, following a major national security decision. Just days prior, the Nigerian Senate approved President Tinubu's request to deploy troops to the Benin Republic. This approval was in response to an attempted coup in Nigeria's neighbouring West African nation, highlighting regional stability concerns.
The meeting's agenda, though not publicly disclosed, is widely believed to encompass a comprehensive review of national security, the operational readiness of the armed forces, and strategic discussions on the approved military deployment to Benin Republic. It also represents a key opportunity for the new Defence Minister, General Musa, to align with the service chiefs under the President's direct oversight.
Focus on Coordinated Security Strategy
Such high-stakes meetings are pivotal for coordinating the efforts of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy. They facilitate direct communication between the Commander-in-Chief and the leaders of the nation's military apparatus, ensuring a unified strategy in addressing both domestic and regional security challenges.
The closed-door nature of the meeting is standard protocol for discussions of a sensitive security nature, allowing for frank and detailed deliberations on operational matters. The outcome of this meeting is anticipated to shape the near-term security directives and posture of the Nigerian military.
