President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate review of security operations in northern Nigeria after a series of bandit attacks in the region.
The President made this known on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of prominent citizens from Katsina State led by Governor Dikko Radda at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu said his government will strengthen countermeasures with advanced military hardware and surveillance drones, noting that he has already approved the purchase of more drones.
“The security challenges we are facing are surmountable. We have porous borders and inherited weaknesses, but they are challenges we must fix. I have directed all security agencies to energise further and review their strategies. We have also approved the additional acquisition of drones,” Tinubu said.
He also stressed that security agencies must provide him with daily updates on their operations in Katsina State.
The President said the government is considering setting up state police and improving the capacity of newly deployed forest guards to enhance local security response. According to him, some states have peculiar security challenges that require security outfits familiar with the terrain and culture of their communities.
“We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, people, livelihood, places of worship, and recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us,” Tinubu assured.
During the meeting, Tinubu also pledged to honour former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader who left behind “a legacy of success” and a strong political structure.
Governor Radda, in his remarks, thanked the President for his continued support. He highlighted the needs of Katsina State in security, youth empowerment, and infrastructure, and praised Tinubu for what he called his “unfailing responsiveness” to the state’s requests.
