By MUHYIDEEN JIMOH

Security chiefs on Thursday briefed President Bola Tinubu on the current security situation and ongoing military operations against terrorists and bandits across the country.

The briefing followed a closed-door meeting between the President and service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Retired Gen. Christopher Musa, spoke with State House correspondents after the meeting.

Musa said the meeting enabled the armed forces to provide the President with an updated assessment of the situation on the ground.

“The meeting was for the services to brief Mr President on the current situation on ground,”

“You know there have been a series of attacks and the security forces have risen to the occasion,”

He explained that the briefing was also intended to clarify some public interpretations of recent security developments.

“Sometimes the interpretation, especially through the media, has not been too direct. We felt we should put the record straight,” he said.

Musa commended the President for his continued support to the armed forces and other security agencies.

“We are glad that Mr President has continued to support the armed forces and other security agencies in the fight against insurgency,” he said.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite recent attacks reported in some parts of the country.

“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired and not to be discouraged, sometimes when you hear the news you think that is all that is happening, but it is far from that,” he said.

According to him, security forces have inflicted heavy losses on terrorists and bandits.

“The terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties and their commanders are being killed,”

He, however, acknowledged the loss of some military personnel in the ongoing operations.

“We have lost a number of very courageous officers and men. It is highly regrettable,”

Musa assured Nigerians that the armed forces remained determined to secure the country.

“We want to assure Nigerians of our commitment to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,”

He disclosed that the President had approved additional equipment to strengthen ongoing military operations.

“Mr President has promised more equipment for us to be able to prosecute the war effectively,”

Musa explained that security forces had adjusted their strategies to counter emerging threats.

He noted that terrorists often escalate attacks during Ramadan, believing their actions carry spiritual rewards.

“However, we have adjusted our strategies and in the past few days we have taken over several locations and neutralised some of their commanders,”

Musa said the security agencies were working together to ensure lasting peace and security in the country.

“We are working together as a team and we are confident we will succeed,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those present at the meeting include; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Maj- Gen. Waidi Shaibu, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu and Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu.

Others were Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.

The Directors-general of the National Intelligence Agency, (NIA), Amb. Mohammed Mohammed and Department of State Services, (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi were also present. (NAN)