President Bola Tinubu has convened a critical meeting with the Council of State and the Police Council on Thursday, October 9, 2025, to address the worsening security situation in Nigeria.
This high-stakes meeting, scheduled to take place at the Council Chambers in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, comes in response to escalating security challenges across the country. These discussions will form part of the President’s ongoing efforts to reassess and enhance Nigeria’s security infrastructure, following a rise in violent crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, and intercommunal conflicts.
A statement issued by Dr. Emanso Umobong, Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Affairs Office, confirmed the gathering of key figures to deliberate on this urgent issue. The meeting will take place in two parts: the Council of State will convene at 1:00 p.m., while the Police Council will meet at 2:00 p.m.
Both bodies will assess the current state of national security and discuss viable strategies to curb the violence affecting key regions, especially in northern and central Nigeria. The discussions will also touch on the continued fight against Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and heightened militancy in the southwest.
The Council of State, a prestigious advisory body consisting of former Presidents, former Heads of State, Governors, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, provides guidance on significant national matters, including security concerns. The Police Council, chaired by the President, oversees the operations of the Nigeria Police Force, with a focus on high-level decisions such as the promotion and discipline of senior police officers.
The President’s call for this summit highlights his commitment to a multi-faceted approach to security, focusing on the coordination of military and police efforts and the involvement of state governors in formulating solutions. Sources within the Presidency confirmed that the meetings would also discuss fresh approaches to tackling Nigeria’s most pressing security crises.
One of the key components of the forthcoming sessions is a review of the country’s ongoing military operations. The President, alongside national security chiefs, is expected to evaluate the progress of the recent offensives aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates and militias operating in Nigeria’s conflict zones. Special attention will be paid to the success of efforts in states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna, where terrorist activity remains rampant.
In addition to security, other national matters are expected to be deliberated upon during the sessions. One such issue is the nomination of a new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the conclusion of the tenure of the current Chairman.
The meetings will also align with President Tinubu’s broader agenda, which was reinforced during his recent visit to Lagos. The President, who returned from a 10-day working visit to the commercial hub of Nigeria, met with leading business executives, international partners, and government stakeholders to discuss matters related to infrastructure, energy, and sustainable economic development. His discussions during the visit focused on boosting investments in critical sectors such as logistics and energy, which are integral to Nigeria’s economic growth and the creation of jobs.
While in Lagos, President Tinubu also emphasized the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy and positioning it to take advantage of emerging global trends, particularly in the area of the blue economy. He met with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, Arsenio Dominguez, to explore Nigeria’s potential as a leading maritime hub.
This meeting will mark the second time President Tinubu will preside over the Council of State since assuming office. As part of his broader vision, Tinubu has sought to build intergovernmental coordination across Nigeria’s political and security spheres, which he believes is crucial in resolving the nation’s complex security and economic challenges.
