President Bola Tinubu says creating state police is vital to tackling Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
He assured Katsina leaders of new military hardware, drones, and stronger security strategies to confront banditry.
President Bola Tinubu has emphasized that establishing state police forces is essential if Nigeria is to overcome its growing security threats.
The president made the remark on Tuesday, September 2, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a visit by prominent figures from Katsina State, led by Governor Dikko Radda. He assured the delegation that his administration is determined to confront banditry and other criminal activities with stronger measures.
Tinubu directed the nation’s security agencies to adjust their strategies in Katsina, where attacks have intensified in recent months. He disclosed that modern military hardware, including drones and advanced surveillance systems, would soon be deployed, and added that forest guards recently recruited in the state would also receive further support.
“Our security situation is difficult, but it can be brought under control,” the president told his guests. “We inherited open borders and weaknesses that should have been addressed earlier, but this is our responsibility to fix. That is why I have instructed security agencies to intensify their work and adjust their tactics. We are procuring more drones and reviewing every aspect of security operations. Creating state police is now a necessity. We cannot allow criminals to frighten us out of our communities, schools, places of worship, or livelihoods.”
Tinubu reminded the delegation that in February 2024, the federal government set up a panel to design a framework for state policing. Although many states have already expressed support, Vice-President Kashim Shettima revealed in March that 20 states had yet to submit their contributions.
The president also took a moment to honor former President Muhammadu Buhari, assuring that his administration would build on the foundation he left behind. “We all feel the loss of President Buhari,” Tinubu said. “But he departed after leaving behind stability and a record of achievements that we intend to uphold.”
Governor Radda, in response, expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s continued assistance, noting that his requests have always been treated with urgency. Other speakers, including former Governor Aminu Masari and elder statesman Ibrahim Ida, commended Tinubu’s recognition of Buhari’s legacy and his commitment to infrastructure. Ida, however, appealed for upgrades at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and stronger security in southern Katsina.
