Tinubu commits to operationalising state police to enhance safety across the Northeast, while supporting development and resettlement programs.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to work closely with the National Assembly to remove political and bureaucratic barriers hindering the operationalisation of state police across Nigeria.
The President described the move as part of a broader strategy to enhance community-based policing, tailored to the specific security needs of different regions.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja during a high-level meeting with the Northeast Governors Forum, led by Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, President Tinubu emphasized the urgent need for innovative, locally responsive security mechanisms.
He noted that the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), which has played a critical role in protecting communities across the region, provided valuable lessons on grassroots security management.
“I have been observing the security situation very carefully,” the President said. “The Civilian JTF has demonstrated ingenuity in safeguarding neighborhoods, and this has sparked my renewed interest in the idea of state police.
“Politics aside, we can now engage with the National Assembly to chart a clear, actionable path to implementing state police that are deeply rooted in communities, provide an additional safety buffer, and operate effectively across all regions.”
Tinubu stressed that while political considerations would inevitably arise in discussions around state police, these must not derail urgent reforms.
He reassured the governors that his administration is committed to ensuring the structure of state police remains insulated from partisan influence, designed solely to strengthen community safety and security.
“In our current political climate, early involvement in partisan activities is expected from rival political parties.
“Regardless of these pressures, I remain fully focused on the challenges ahead. Our aim is to prioritize the safety of citizens and the operational effectiveness of law enforcement,” he said.
The President highlighted significant progress in the Northeast, pointing to improved security, the successful resettlement of internally displaced persons, rising school enrollment rates, and ongoing housing projects as clear indicators of the success of collaborative governance.
He encouraged the governors to continue prioritizing development and security, assuring them of sustained federal support.
“In just two short years, we have achieved measurable milestones. The economy is recovering, displaced citizens are returning home, and housing programs in Borno and neighboring states are providing shelter for many who had been displaced,” he noted.
President Tinubu also identified agricultural mechanisation as a key national priority, revealing plans to establish training and maintenance centers in all geopolitical zones to drive food production and enhance national food sovereignty.
In addition, he commended Yobe State for producing outstanding students despite enduring significant regional challenges, highlighting their achievements as a sign of resilience and progress.
He concluded by thanking the governors for their dedication, noting that cooperative efforts between federal and state governments are essential to laying the foundation for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
Governor Zulum, speaking on behalf of the Northeast governors, urged the President to prioritize the completion of 17 strategic roads across the region to improve connectivity and economic activity.
He also called for the resumption of oil exploration in the Kolmani and Lake Chad Basins, emphasizing the importance of leveraging regional natural resources for sustainable development.
The meeting underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening security, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering collaborative governance across Nigeria, particularly in regions that have faced prolonged challenges.