President Tinubu Convenes Security Chiefs Amid Surge in Boko Haram Attacks That Claim Three Commanding Officers

 President Bola Tinubu held a high-level, closed-door security meeting with the nation's service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, as the military grapples with a fresh wave of deadly assaults by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in the North-East.

The nearly two-hour session, which wrapped up around 5:10 p.m., marked the first such gathering since Tunji Disu took office as Inspector-General of Police. While details of the discussions remained under wraps, sources close to the presidency indicated the focus was on recalibrating strategies to counter the intensified insurgency, particularly the recent overruns of forward operating bases in Borno State.

The timing of the meeting comes against a backdrop of heavy losses for the Nigerian Army. In the space of just one week, at least three commanding officers were killed in separate attacks attributed to the terrorist groups. Reports identify the fallen officers as Major Umar Ibrahim Mairiga, who commanded the base in Mayenti, Bama Local Government Area, killed on March 1 during an assault on his position; Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, commanding officer of the 222 Battalion in Konduga, who lost his life on March 6 along with several soldiers; and Lt-Col Umar Faruq, who headed the Kukawa base and elements of the 101 Brigade, neutralised on March 9 when insurgents overran the camp in Kukawa Local Government Area.

These incidents form part of a broader resurgence in attacks across Borno, with insurgents targeting positions in areas like Ngoshe in Gwoza, Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok. The coordinated nature of the assaults has raised concerns among security analysts about improved insurgent tactics and possible intelligence gaps, even as the military has reported successes elsewhere, including the elimination of a Boko Haram/ISWAP commander named Abu Yusu and 19 others in Yobe State earlier this month.

Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), who recently summoned the service chiefs for a separate review, has sought to frame the situation in a broader context. Speaking after related engagements, he stressed that while the military has suffered setbacks, insurgents are also sustaining significant casualties, with key commanders eliminated and assets seized. "The terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed," Musa asserted, pointing to ongoing operations that continue to weaken the groups.

President Tinubu has repeatedly reaffirmed his administration's resolve to tackle terrorism decisively. During an Iftar dinner with service chiefs on March 6, he assured the military of unwavering support in defeating the insurgents, even as attacks in Borno escalated. The latest meeting reportedly included discussions on approving fresh military hardware to bolster frontline capabilities and reviewing anti-terrorism approaches in light of the renewed pressure on troops.

The North-East insurgency, now in its second decade, remains one of Nigeria's most persistent security challenges. Boko Haram and ISWAP have adapted over time, shifting between large-scale raids and hit-and-run tactics that exploit remote terrains and target isolated outposts. Civilian communities continue to bear the brunt, with abductions, displacement, and loss of life compounding humanitarian strains in the region.

Military spokespersons have emphasised that operations are intensifying to reclaim initiative and protect personnel and locals alike. Troops are said to be conducting follow-up patrols and intelligence-driven strikes to pursue fleeing attackers.

As the security chiefs departed the Villa, the president’s directive appeared clear: confront the threats head-on while accelerating efforts to degrade insurgent capabilities. For families of the fallen officers and soldiers, and for communities living under constant threat, the hope rests on tangible outcomes from such high-level engagements stronger defences, better coordination, and ultimately, a path toward lasting peace in the troubled North-East.