President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that the ongoing overhaul of the country’s security architecture will soon yield tangible results capable of restoring public confidence and improving safety nationwide.
The President gave the assurance on Friday during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence. The meeting was disclosed in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said his administration remains firmly committed to security sector reforms, including plans to establish state and community policing as part of efforts to respond more effectively to emerging threats across the country.
“The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it,” the President said.
He urged religious leaders to support government efforts through cooperation, vigilance and prayers, noting that some security initiatives would take time before producing visible outcomes.
“We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance and cooperation,” Tinubu added.
According to the President, state and community policing will become operational once the National Assembly concludes the required legislative processes. He also explained that delays in acquiring military hardware have affected public perception of the government’s security drive, stressing that such equipment is expensive and not easily accessible.
Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria has ordered four attack helicopters from the United States and is also engaging Turkey for additional military support. He said the government remains determined despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents, insisting that restoring peace remains a top priority.
Commenting on the recent abduction and subsequent release of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi states, the President called for sustained vigilance across communities.
Meanwhile, insecurity continues to haunt parts of the country. SaharaReporters reported that suspected bandits on Friday evening invaded Adanla community in Igbaja Ward 2 of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, abducting seven residents and injuring several others, just a day after Christmas.
A source said the attack occurred around 7pm, plunging the usually peaceful community into panic, grief and mourning, as the assailants reportedly stormed the area in large numbers, firing sporadically and forcefully entering homes before carting away their victims.
