President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Armed Forces to deploy cutting-edge hardware and advanced surveillance systems in Katsina State to combat escalating bandit attacks on civilians.
The directive was issued during a Tuesday evening meeting with Katsina leaders, led by Governor Dikko Radda, at the State House, as confirmed by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu underscored the urgency of tackling insecurity nationwide, with Katsina as a priority.
“The security challenges we are facing are surmountable,” he stated, acknowledging inherited vulnerabilities like porous borders.
“I have today directed all the security agencies to energize further and look at the strategies. We have approved the additional acquisition of drones,” he added, emphasizing proactive measures.
The president also mandated daily operational reports from Katsina to ensure swift responses and effective oversight.
He expressed openness to establishing a state police force, criticizing those who politicize the initiative.
“I am reviewing all aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically,” Tinubu said, advocating for community-based security familiar with local dynamics.
“We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, people, livelihood, places of worship, and recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.”
Tinubu also pledged to equip recently deployed forest guards and immortalize former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose legacy he described as a foundation for progress.
“He didn’t hand over a defeated country, a battered political structure, but a legacy of success,” Tinubu noted, expressing gratitude for Buhari’s contributions and praying for his soul to rest in “Aljannah Firdausi.”
Governor Radda praised Tinubu’s commitment to Katsina, citing federal appointments and infrastructure projects.
“I never came to the President with a request that he rejected,” Radda said, thanking Tinubu for his support and recalling his early visit to Katsina. Radda sought further federal assistance for security, youth empowerment, and infrastructure.
Former Governor Aminu Masari expressed gratitude for the state funeral honoring Buhari, reaffirming Katsina’s loyalty to Tinubu’s security vision.
The Waziri of Katsina, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, commended Tinubu’s infrastructure efforts, particularly the Kano-Maradi Rail project, and urged upgrades for the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport to boost regional connectivity. Ida also called for increased security in Southern Katsina to safeguard lives and restore peace.
