Creation of state police urgent for Nigeria’s national security: Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate all threats to Nigeria’s security and territorial integrity.
Mr Tinubu stated this on Thursday in his 2026 New Year message to Nigerians.
“My fellow Nigerians, the path of reform is never easy, but it is necessary,” said the president. “We remain mindful that economic progress must be accompanied by security and peace.”
The president said Nigeria continued to confront threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined to disrupt national stability.
He recalled recent coordinated actions with international partners, including the U.S. to degrade terror networks.
“In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24,” Mr Tinubu explained.
He added that sustained military operations were ongoing across the Northwest and North-East.
“Our Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and North-East,” he added.
Mr Tinubu said security agencies would intensify intelligence-sharing and operational coordination in the new year.
“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security,” stated Mr Tinubu.
The president reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protecting lives, property and national sovereignty.
“We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country,” noted Mr Tinubu.
He reiterated his support for decentralised policing as part of long-term security reforms, saying, “I continue to believe that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, all anchored on accountability, is critical.”
Mr Tinubu said the new year would usher in a more robust phase of inclusive economic growth.
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