Tinubu receives ex-Defence Minister TY Danjuma

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday received retired General Theophilus Danjuma at the State House, Abuja, the Presidency confirmed in a brief statement.

While the specifics of the meeting were not disclosed, General Danjuma is widely regarded as an elder statesman and security expert, and has historically been consulted by presidents on national security and strategic matters.

Born in Taraba State, Danjuma served as Chief of Army Staff from 1976 to 1979 under the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2003 in Obasanjo’s civilian administration. He also played a key role in the July 1966 counter-coup that brought General Yakubu Gowon to power.

Beyond his military career, the 87-year-old is a billionaire businessman, with oil and gas interests through South Atlantic Petroleum, and a noted philanthropist via the TY Danjuma Foundation. He has in the past been vocal on national security, including urging citizens to defend themselves against armed attacks, citing gaps in government protection.