Banditry: Tinubu hints at creation of state Police

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

The President also directed the armed forces to deploy advanced military equipment and surveillance technology in Katsina State to curb the recent surge of attacks on civilians by bandits.

Tinubu made the remarks while receiving a delegation of eminent Katsina citizens, led by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, at the State House. He noted that the federal government is evaluating the operations of state police and will further equip recently deployed forest guards.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated in Abuja that Tinubu decried the politicization of the proposed state police. He emphasized that security emergencies in some states require specialized units familiar with the terrain, culture, and grassroots networks.

“The security challenges we face are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders. We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge we must fix, and we are addressing it. I have directed all security agencies to enhance their strategies. We have also approved the acquisition of additional drones,” the President said.

Tinubu further instructed daily updates on security operations in Katsina.

“I am reviewing all aspects of security; we have to create a state police. We are looking at this holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, our people, livelihoods, places of worship, and recreational spaces. They cannot intimidate us,” he added.

On the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu assured that Buhari would be immortalized for posterity.

“The loss of President Buhari is a loss for all of us. It is the will of God, but he left a legacy of success. He did not hand over a defeated country or a battered political structure. We must pray for Almighty Allah to grant him Aljannah Firdausi and give us the strength to move Nigeria forward—not looking back in sorrow, but progressing with success. Buhari would have wanted the Presidency and Katsina State intact,” the President said.

Governor Radda expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s continued support for Katsina, including the appointment of indigenes to strategic positions and the provision of infrastructure.

“Mr. President, I want to thank you. I have never come to you with a request that was rejected. Katsina was the first state you visited and spent a night in. We are aware of the challenges affecting our state,” he said.

Radda highlighted the need for greater support in security, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.

Former Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari reaffirmed the state’s loyalty to the federal government.

The Waziri of Katsina, Senator Ibrahim Ida, commended Tinubu’s efforts to ensure timely completion of the Kano-Maradi Rail project and other state infrastructures. He called for upgrades to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport to maximize its usage and urged increased federal attention to security, particularly in southern Katsina.

Ida also thanked the President for honoring former President Buhari with a state burial.

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