President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to the creation of state police as part of efforts to confront Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 2, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit by prominent Katsina indigenes led by Governor Dikko Radda, the president said the federal government is determined to tackle banditry and other threats head-on.
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Tinubu disclosed that security agencies have been directed to reassess their operations in Katsina, where bandit attacks have spiked in recent months. He further revealed that advanced military equipment, including drones and surveillance technology, would soon be deployed to strengthen counter-insurgency efforts in the state.
The president also announced that the capacity of newly recruited forest guards would be expanded, noting that they are expected to play a vital role in protecting vulnerable communities.
“The security challenges that we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders. We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it,” Tinubu said.
He added: “I have today directed all the security agencies to energise further and review strategies. We have approved the additional acquisition of drones. I am reviewing all aspects of security. I have to create state police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, our people, our livelihood, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.”
The president recalled that in February 2024, the federal government inaugurated a committee to develop a framework for state policing. While the initiative has received widespread support, Vice-President Kashim Shettima disclosed in March that 20 states were yet to submit their reports.
Tinubu also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, assuring the delegation that his legacy would be preserved.
“The time we lost our brother, President Buhari, is a loss for all of us. It is the will of God Almighty, but he has left in a good way. He didn’t hand over a defeated country or a battered political structure, but a legacy of success, and that is the most important thing,” he said.
Governor Radda, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the president’s consistent support, noting that Tinubu had always responded to his requests. Former Governor Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Ida, the Wazirin of Katsina, also commended Tinubu for honouring Buhari and investing in infrastructure. Ida, however, urged the federal government to prioritise the upgrading of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and intensify security operations in southern Katsina.
