President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the ongoing overhaul of the nation’s security architecture will soon yield tangible results, calling for collective effort and vigilance in the fight against insecurity.
Tinubu 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 engagement was disclosed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing state and community policing structures to strengthen security at the grassroots level.
“The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it,” Tinubu said. “We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance, and cooperation.”
Tinubu explained that the creation of state and community police will become a reality once the National Assembly completes the necessary constitutional and legislative processes.
He also highlighted the high cost and procurement delays associated with military equipment, noting that these challenges sometimes slow security operations.
“Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf,” the President said, revealing that Nigeria has ordered four attack helicopters from the United States and is also engaging Turkey for support.
Tinubu acknowledged public concerns over the pace of response to security incidents but stressed that his administration remains resolute in restoring peace despite the unconventional tactics employed by criminal elements.
Commenting on the recent abduction and rescue of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi states, Tinubu urged continued national vigilance, noting that securing the safe return of victims remained paramount.
In his remarks, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, pledged the support of the Christian community for the administration.
“You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration,” he stated.
He commended the President for his “commitment and zeal” in addressing the country’s socio-economic and security challenges and urged him not to relent.
Okoh also praised the administration’s engagement with religious leaders, describing it as a positive step that has narrowed the gap between the Church and government. He further appealed for continuous direct engagement with CAN’s structures nationwide and requested support for the Christian Pilgrims’ Board.
The CAN delegation included Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, representatives of the Catholic, Methodist and OAIC blocs, and the Lagos State CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite.