Army Expansion Will Strengthen Fight Against Insecurity – Tinubu

….says State Police Will Have Safeguards

The President made the remarks on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the State House, Abuja.

According to Tinubu, the newly created Army divisions are better positioned and motivated to confront insecurity, adding that the move will enhance the military’s operational capacity nationwide.

Speaking on the recent rescue of abducted pupils, teachers and others from Oriire in Oyo State, the President attributed the success of the operation to the professionalism of the armed forces, as well as the prayers and support of traditional rulers and Nigerians.

He commended the security personnel for their courage, revealing that the Federal Government rejected demands by the kidnappers to exchange detained members of their criminal network for the victims.

“We refused to negotiate with criminals,” Tinubu said, noting that the abductors had demanded both ransom and the release of arrested gang members.

The President also pointed to the worsening security situation in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic as factors contributing to Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing the need for sustained vigilance.

On the proposed establishment of State Police, Tinubu assured Nigerians that the initiative would be backed by adequate safeguards to prevent abuse.

“There will be state police, but there will also be guardrails against abuse. Traditional rulers will have important roles to play in ensuring accountability,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government is strengthening the capacity of forest guards to enable them combat criminal elements hiding in forests across the country.

The President urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious persons and activities within their communities, describing intelligence gathering as a critical tool in tackling insecurity.

On the economy, Tinubu maintained that the country’s financial situation had improved significantly, saying governors now enjoy better revenues and no longer rely on borrowing to pay workers’ salaries.

He advised state governors to prioritise the construction of quality road networks that would improve access to rural communities and support security operations rather than embarking on unnecessary infrastructure projects.

Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, thanked the President for the successful rescue of the Oriire victims and commended his administration’s efforts in improving infrastructure and addressing security challenges.

The monarch also reiterated support for true federalism, advocated constitutional recognition for traditional rulers, and pledged the continued backing of the Oyo State Council of Obas for the Renewed Hope Agenda.