President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s worsening security situation, declaring that the creation of state police has become not just an option but a necessity in the ongoing fight against insecurity across the nation.
The president made this known on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation of prominent Katsina indigenes led by Governor Dikko Radda. Tinubu stressed that the federal government is determined to confront all security challenges with renewed vigor, adding that his administration will leave no stone unturned in restoring peace and safety to communities plagued by banditry, terrorism, and other forms of violence.
During the meeting, Tinubu directed security agencies to reassess and step up operations in Katsina State, a region that has been severely affected by a recent surge in banditry attacks. He also disclosed that his administration has approved the acquisition of advanced military hardware, including surveillance drones, and will further enhance the capacity of newly recruited forest guards to combat criminals in remote areas.
“The security challenges that we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders, and we inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier, but it is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it head-on,” Tinubu stated. “I have today directed all the security agencies to energise further and review their strategies. We have approved the additional acquisition of drones to strengthen intelligence and response.”
On the issue of state policing, Tinubu said: “I am reviewing all aspects of security, and I have to create state police. We are looking at it holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, our people, our livelihoods, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces. They cannot and will not intimidate us.”
The president reminded his audience that in February 2024, the federal government inaugurated a committee to study and recommend frameworks for the establishment of state police, a policy that has received widespread backing from different parts of the country. However, as of March, up to 20 states had yet to submit their reports, according to Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu also paid glowing tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his legacy as one of resilience and success. “The time we lost our brother, President Buhari, is a loss for all of us. He did not hand over a defeated country or a battered political structure but a legacy of success, and that is the most important thing,” Tinubu remarked.
Governor Radda, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the president for his unwavering support for Katsina State, noting that Tinubu had never turned down any request presented to him. He praised the federal government’s investments in infrastructure and ongoing efforts to strengthen security. Former Governor Aminu Masari and the Wazirin of Katsina, Ibrahim Ida, also commended Tinubu for honoring Buhari’s memory and for his visible commitment to improving the lives of Katsina’s people.
Ida further urged the federal government to prioritize the modernization of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and to intensify security efforts in southern Katsina, which has been particularly vulnerable to violent attacks. He emphasized that boosting infrastructure and ensuring safety would go a long way in reviving economic activities and restoring confidence among residents.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity and collective responsibility in the fight against insecurity, with Tinubu reiterating his stance that Nigeria will not bow to the forces threatening its stability and peace.