‎President Bola Tinubu Advocates For State Police To Enhance National Security

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that the creation of state police is indispensable in strengthening security across Nigeria. This statement was made during a courtesy visit from a delegation of prominent Katsina indigenes, led by Governor Dikko Radda, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

‎Tinubu emphasized the federal government’s unwavering commitment to tackling insecurity head-on. He directed security agencies to reevaluate their operations in Katsina State, which has seen a troubling increase in banditry. To address these challenges, he announced the deployment of advanced military equipment and surveillance technology, alongside plans to enhance the capabilities of newly recruited forest guards in the state.

‎Acknowledging the serious security issues faced by the nation, Tinubu expressed confidence that these challenges can be resolved through determination and strategic planning. “The security challenges that we are facing are surmountable,” he stated. “Yes, we have porous borders and inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it.”

‎He also instructed all security agencies to revitalize their strategies and confirmed the approval for acquiring additional drones. Furthermore, he requested to receive daily updates on security operations in Katsina.

‎”I am reviewing all aspects of security; I must create state police. We are looking at that holistically,” he added, assuring the delegation that “we will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, our people, our livelihoods, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.”

‎The President reminded the delegation that in February 2024, the federal government established a committee to explore the framework for state policing, an initiative that has garnered significant support. However, as of March, 20 states had yet to submit their reports, as noted by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

‎In a moment of reflection, Tinubu also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, affirming 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, but he left behind a legacy of success—not a defeated country or a battered political structure.”

‎Governor Radda expressed gratitude for the President’s consistent support, stating, “Mr. President, I would like to thank you very much. There was never a time I came to the President with a request that he rejected.”

‎Former Governor Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Ida, the Wazirin of Katsina, also commended Tinubu for honoring Buhari and investing in infrastructure projects in the state. Ida, however, urged the federal government to prioritize upgrading the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and intensify security measures in southern Katsina.