Recalibrated Security Architecture Will Deliver Results

Recalibrated Security Architecture Will Deliver Results – Tinubu
Says that state and community policing would become operational
Okoh appealed for sustained engagement through CAN’s structures across the 774 local government areas

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the country’s security architecture will soon deliver tangible results capable of restoring public confidence.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the President gave the assurance on Friday during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his residence in Lagos.

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The meeting was confirmed in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu said his administration remains fully committed to comprehensive security sector reforms, including the planned establishment of state and community policing structures to address emerging threats across the country.

“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 initiatives require time before their full impact becomes visible.

“We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance and cooperation,” Tinubu said.

The President explained that state and community policing would become operational once the National Assembly completes the necessary legislative processes.

Recalibrated Security Architecture Will Deliver Results - Tinubu

“Community and State Police will be a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs,” he said.

Tinubu also addressed public concerns over delays in military acquisitions, noting that replacing security hardware is both costly and time consuming.

“Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf,” the President said.

He disclosed that Nigeria has ordered 4 attack helicopters from the United States, adding that the government is also engaging Turkey for additional security support.

“Our orders for 4 attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have approached Turkey for assistance,” he said.

Despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents, Tinubu said the Federal Government remains resolute, stressing that restoring peace and stability remains a top priority.

Commenting on the recent abduction and release of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States, the President urged restraint and vigilance, emphasising that the safety of the victims was the overriding concern.

“The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means,” he said.

Responding, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured Tinubu of the continued support of the Christian community 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 at improving security, noting that the 2025 Christmas season was unusually 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 said.

Okoh also praised Tinubu’s engagement with religious bodies, saying it had strengthened trust and understanding 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 across the 774 local government areas and also requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board.

Members of the CAN delegation included the Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba; President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; and representatives of the Catholic, Methodist and African Instituted Churches.