By Our Correspondent
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigerias worsening security crisis remains his biggest concern, stating that restoring peace and stability across the country is the top priority of his administration.
Speaking during recent security briefings and meetings with service chiefs, the president described national security as non-negotiable and said the government will deploy all available resources, including military strength, intelligence capabilities, and institutional reforms, to confront terrorism, banditry, and violent crime affecting communities nationwide.
Tinubu noted that no sector of the economy can thrive without safety, describing insecurity as the greatest obstacle to Nigerias growth and collective prosperity. He warned that the country cannot afford complacency or hesitation in the face of rising attacks, kidnappings, and extremist violence. He added that improved cooperation among security agencies has led to arrests and convictions of terrorists and criminal groups, but admitted that the scale of the challenge calls for more decisive and coordinated action.
The president highlighted ongoing investments in military equipment, including combat helicopters, upgraded intelligence systems, and drone surveillance. He said modern security threats require advanced technology to track criminal networks, monitor high-risk regions, and prevent attacks before they occur. The administration is also working to improve communication and joint patrols across the military, police, and intelligence agencies.
A major part of Tinubus long-term security reform is the proposed creation of state police, which he believes will strengthen local accountability and improve response to emerging threats. He has called for a national discussion on the structure and oversight of the system, explaining that decentralised policing could become a turning point in addressing insecurity if supported with strong regulations to prevent misuse.
In a message to newly appointed service chiefs, Tinubu said Nigerians expect results, not excuses. He urged security heads to act quickly against the spread of armed groups, warning that early inaction could allow them to grow stronger and more dangerous. He said the security and intelligence community must be proactive, noting that prevention remains the most effective form of protection.
While noting some progress, Tinubu admitted that Nigeria still faces a complex and deeply rooted security crisis. Terrorism in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, communal clashes in the middle belt, and rising cases of kidnapping continue to stretch the countrys security institutions. Experts say the success of state police, military upgrades, and institutional reforms will depend on political will, long-term planning, and sustained investment. The president maintains that his administration is fully committed to delivering lasting solutions.
