President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the country’s security architecture will yield positive results soon, urging a collective effort to tackle persistent insecurity.
Naijaonpoint reports that Tinubu spoke 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 his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu stated that his administration remains committed to establishing state and community police to transform Nigeria’s security narrative.
“The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it. We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance, and cooperation,” Tinubu said.
He explained that the establishment of community and state police would become a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs.
Tinubu also addressed logistical challenges in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that military hardware is costly and not readily available.
“Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf,” he said, adding that the government’s order for four attack helicopters from the United States will take time to arrive, and that Nigeria had also approached Turkey for assistance.
The President acknowledged that delays in security interventions have affected public perception of his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity. Nonetheless, he reiterated that the government is steadfast in its efforts to restore peace and prosperity, despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents.
Commenting on the recent abduction and release of school children in Niger and Kebbi states, Tinubu said the nation must remain vigilant. He added that “the rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means.”
In his remarks, Archbishop Daniel Okoh assured the President of the Christian community’s support.
“You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration,” Okoh said.
He acknowledged receipt of palliatives, which are usually extended to the church during religious festivals and even in the off‑season.
Archbishop Okoh commended Tinubu for his “commitment and zeal” in addressing Nigeria’s socio‑economic and security challenges, urging him not to relent.
“We acknowledge that the task before you is daunting, but we are assured of your sagacity. The Christian community is committed to ensuring that you succeed,” he said.
Okoh added that the President’s engagement with the church had “closed the gap between the government and the Church,” a development he described as unprecedented.
The CAN president appealed to Tinubu to always relate directly with the association’s representatives through its established structures in each of Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
He also requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board to support its mandate.
Other members of the delegation included Vice President, CAN, Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba; President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; as well as representatives from the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), the Catholic and Methodist blocks, and the CAN Chairman, Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite.