Tinubu Convenes Council of State and Police Council Meetings Amid Worsening Insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has summoned meetings of the Council of State and the Police Council for Thursday, October 9, 2025, to deliberate on Nigeria’s growing insecurity and other critical national issues.

The sessions, scheduled to take place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, signal the administration’s renewed determination to strengthen the country’s security framework and restore public confidence amid rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and communal violence.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, confirmed that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has formally invited members of both councils to participate either physically or virtually.

According to the statement, “The meetings aim to discuss matters of national importance and key issues affecting national security and policing. The Council of State meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. while the Police Council meeting will hold at 2:00 p.m.”

The Council of State, chaired by the President, includes former Presidents, former Heads of State, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, all state governors, and the Attorney-General of the Federation. It serves as an advisory body on policy issues, including national security, governance, and appointments.

The Police Council oversees the administration and operational control of the Nigeria Police Force, including the appointment and discipline of senior officers.

Presidency sources told newsmen that both meetings will assess the current security situation, review ongoing military and police operations, and consider new strategies to tackle rising insecurity across the northern and central regions. The meetings are also expected to deliberate on political and administrative matters, including the potential nomination of a new INEC Chairman, as the current occupant’s tenure draws to a close.

The high-level meetings come shortly after President Tinubu’s return to Abuja on Monday evening from a 10-day working visit to Lagos, where he met with investors, development partners, and political stakeholders. His San Marino-registered BBJ T7-NAS aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 6:55 p.m., according to a statement from the State House media office.

While in Lagos, the President held strategic discussions with business leaders, including Bayo Ogunlesi, CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners and Keem Belo-Osagie, Chairman of Metis Capital Partners. Talks focused on driving investment in infrastructure, energy and logistics to boost economic diversification and job creation.

He also hosted the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, Arsenio Dominguez, alongside the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to explore opportunities in developing Nigeria’s blue economy as an alternative revenue source to fossil fuels.

Before returning to the capital, Tinubu visited Oyo, Imo and Plateau States for various engagements, where he reiterated his administration’s focus on unity, security and inclusive growth. Speaking at a funeral in Jos for the late mother of APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the President emphasised his commitment to peace and cohesion, saying, “My mission is to unite this country and ensure its prosperity. Progress is being made on both fronts.”

Thursday’s Council of State meeting will be the second under Tinubu’s administration and is expected to shape coordinated responses to Nigeria’s evolving security and governance challenges.