I’m set to Create State Police, says Tinubu
By Samuel Ogunsona
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his determination to establish state police.
The President said establishing state police is unavoidable in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
He made this declaration during a meeting with Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda and prominent indigenes of the North West state at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“We will defeat insecurity,” Tinubu asserted. “I am reviewing all aspects of security; I have to create state police. We are looking at that holistically.”
Creation of state police has been a major debate in Nigeria but subsequent leaders lacked the courage to take the bull by the horn
If President Tinubu succeeds, he would be the most influential and impactful leader Nigeria has had since 1999.
He emphasized the need for a holistic approach to security, citing the deployment of advanced military equipment, drones, and surveillance technology to combat banditry in Katsina State.
The President directed security agencies to reassess their operations in Katsina and submit daily updates on security developments.
“The security challenges we are facing are surmountable,” he said. “Yes, we have porous borders. We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it.”
Tinubu’s initiative to create state police has gained widespread support, although 20 states are yet to submit their reports on the proposed decentralized police system.
A committee was formed in February 2024 to study the framework for state policing.
“We must protect our children, our people, our livelihood, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces,” Tinubu stressed. “They can’t intimidate us.”
The President also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader who left a legacy of success.
Governor Radda thanked Tinubu for his consistent support, stating that he had never rejected any of his requests.
Other speakers, including former Governor Aminu Masari and Wazirin Katsina Ibrahim Ida, commended Tinubu for honouring Buhari and investing in infrastructure projects in Katsina State.
