Tinubu assures CAN of new security strategy, says community policing will deliver results
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the nation’s security architecture will soon yield positive results, as his administration intensifies efforts to address insecurity across the country.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in a statement said Tinubu gave the assurance on Friday while receiving a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence.
President Tinubu said his government remains committed to introducing state and community policing as part of a broader strategy to change Nigeria’s security narrative. He noted that while the challenges are real, particularly in the country’s vast ungoverned spaces, the administration is determined to overcome them.
“The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it. We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance and cooperation,” the President said.
He explained that the establishment of community and state police would become a reality once the National Assembly concludes the necessary legislative processes. President Tinubu also highlighted constraints in acquiring military hardware, noting that such equipment is expensive and not readily available.
“Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States will take some time to arrive. We have also approached Turkey for assistance,” he said, adding that delays in equipment delivery have affected public perception of the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
Despite these challenges, the President stressed that the government is not relenting in its efforts to restore peace and prosperity, even in the face of guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents.
Commenting on the recent abduction and subsequent release of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi states, President Tinubu urged citizens to remain vigilant, stating that the safety of the children was paramount.
“The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means,” he said.
In his remarks, Archbishop Daniel Okoh assured the President of the Church’s support, describing Tinubu as “our President” and affirming CAN’s commitment to the success of his administration.
“The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration,” Archbishop Okoh said.
He also acknowledged the receipt of palliatives usually extended to the Christian community during religious festivals and commended the President for his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.
“We acknowledge that the task before you is daunting, but we are assured of your sagacity. Your commitment has closed the gap between the government and the Church. This has never happened before,” he said.
Archbishop Okoh, however, appealed to the President to engage more directly with CAN through its established structures across the 774 local government areas and requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board to enable it to carry out its mandate.
Other members of the delegation included CAN Vice President, Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba; President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; representatives of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, the Catholic and Methodist blocs, and the CAN Chairman in Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite.
The meeting underscored renewed cooperation between the Federal Government and the Christian community in addressing Nigeria’s security and development challenges.
