President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the nation’s security architecture will soon produce results that restore public confidence.
He made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence.
According to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to security sector reforms, including the establishment of state and community policing to tackle emerging threats across Nigeria.
“The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it,” the President said.
He called on religious leaders to support government efforts through cooperation, vigilance, and prayers, noting that some security measures require time to mature. “We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance and cooperation,” he added.
Tinubu explained that state and community policing would become a reality once the National Assembly completes the necessary legislative processes. He also addressed delays in acquiring military hardware, explaining that such equipment is expensive and not readily available off the shelf.
“Nigeria has ordered four attack helicopters from the United States, and we have approached Turkey for additional support,” he disclosed.
Despite the guerrilla tactics of bandits and insurgents, the President stressed that restoring peace remains a top priority. Regarding the recent abduction and release of school children in Niger and Kebbi States, Tinubu urged vigilance, emphasizing that the safety of the victims is paramount. “The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means,” he said.
In response, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh assured Tinubu of the Christian community’s support for his administration. “You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration,” Okoh said.
He commended the government’s efforts to improve security, noting that the 2025 Christmas season was notably peaceful. “This Christmas happened to be the first in many years that we were not woken up by midnight calls reporting attacks on churches,” he remarked.
Okoh also praised Tinubu’s engagement with religious bodies, saying it has strengthened trust between the government and the Church. “Your commitment has closed the gap between the government and the Church. This has never happened before,” he said.
The CAN President appealed for sustained engagement through CAN’s structures at the 774 local government areas and requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board.
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