President Bola Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government is considering the creation of state police in response to a surge in banditry across some parts of the country.
He also pledged to reinforce the recently deployed forest guards to enhance community-based security.
Tinubu spoke on Tuesday against the backdrop of the Katsina State worsening security situation while receiving a delegation of Katsina leaders led by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at the Presidential Villa.
He has directed an immediate review of security operations in Katsina, promising to deploy advanced military hardware, including drones, and to strengthen local security outfits to combat banditry.
The president lamented the politicization of the state police debate, emphasizing that the unique security challenges in certain states require tailored approaches that respect local culture and terrain.
“The security challenges we face are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders and inherited weaknesses, but we must fix them.
“I have directed all security agencies to intensify their strategies. We have approved additional drones and I expect daily feedback on operations in Katsina,” Tinubu said.
According to him, the administration is reviewing all aspects of national security, with a determination to protect children, livelihoods, places of worship, and public spaces from criminal attacks.
Tinubu announced that the Federal Government will immortalize the late President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that the former leader left behind “a legacy of success and not a defeated country.”
In his own remarks, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda thanked the President for his continued support for Katsina, including federal appointments for its citizens and various infrastructure projects.
The governor appealed for more assistance in security, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
Former Kastina Governor Aminu Bello Masari also expressed gratitude to Tinubu for honoring Buhari with a “true state funeral” and pledged the state’s continued loyalty.
Also speaking, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, the Waziri of Katsina, praised the President for his commitment to completing the Kano-Maradi Rail project and called for an upgrade of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport.
He also urged for a stronger security focus on the southern part of Katsina.
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