President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, stating that the creation of state police is now a necessity in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism.
Speaking during a security briefing with top government officials, the President emphasized that existing security structures are overstretched and must be complemented with decentralized policing. According to him,
“I have to create state police. The reality is that our current security framework cannot adequately address the rising challenges of banditry and kidnapping. We must act decisively.”
Furthermore, Tinubu acknowledged the devastating impact of insecurity on rural communities, stressing that local policing will strengthen intelligence gathering and response.
“those who live within the communities understand the terrain better. They know the people, they know the challenges. With state police, response will be faster and more effective,” he explained.
Transitioning to the political implications, the President urged lawmakers and stakeholders to support constitutional amendments that would make the initiative a reality. He assured Nigerians that the move is not aimed at weakening the federal structure but at reinforcing security across all regions.
In addition, Tinubu expressed concern over the human and economic toll of banditry. “Too many lives have been lost, too many families displaced. Farmers can no longer go to their farms freely. This situation must end, and creating state police is a critical step forward,” he said.
The proposal for creation of state police has long been debated in Nigeria, with many state governors and civil society groups advocating for it as a way to curb rising insecurity. The President’s recent remarks, however, mark one of the strongest commitments yet from the federal government on the issue.
Tinubu assured citizens that his administration remains focused on restoring peace and stability. He added, “We cannot build a prosperous nation without first securing our people. Security is the foundation of development, and I am determined to deliver it.”
