Tinubu Hints at Creation of State Police, Orders Enhanced Security in Katsina

President Bola Tinubu has hinted that his administration is considering the creation of a state police to more effectively tackle security challenges across Nigeria.

During a meeting with a delegation of eminent Katsina State citizens led by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at the State House, President Tinubu also directed the armed forces to deploy advanced military hardware and surveillance equipment in Katsina to curb recent attacks on civilians by bandits. He emphasized that the federal government will explore the operations of a state police and further equip forest guards recently deployed to the region.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that Tinubu condemned the politicization of the proposed state police, stressing that certain security emergencies require forces familiar with local terrain and culture, capable of effective grassroots engagement.

“The security challenges we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders, and we inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge we must fix, and we are confronting it,” Tinubu said.

He added that all security agencies have been directed to review strategies and increase operational efficiency, including the acquisition of additional drones, with daily updates on security operations in Katsina.

“I am reviewing all aspects of security. We are looking at creating a state police holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, citizens, livelihoods, places of worship, and recreational spaces. They cannot intimidate us,” the President stated.

On commemorating former President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu assured that Buhari’s legacy would be immortalized for posterity. “The loss of President Buhari is a loss for all of us. It is the will of God Almighty, but he left a legacy of success, not a defeated country or battered political structure. We must continue to pray for him and work to move Nigeria forward,” he said.

Governor Radda thanked the President for his continued support, including the appointment of Katsina indigenes to strategic positions and investment in infrastructure. He emphasized the need for more federal support in security, youth empowerment, and development.

Former Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari pledged the state’s loyalty to the federal government, while the Waziri of Katsina, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, commended Tinubu’s efforts to complete the Kano-Maradi Rail project and other state infrastructures. Ida also highlighted the need to upgrade the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and called for increased federal security presence, particularly in southern Katsina.

The Waziri further expressed gratitude to the President for honoring former President Buhari with a state burial.