President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to implement advanced technology and surveillance systems in Katsina State to address the increasing violence against civilians by bandits.
The directive was issued during a meeting with Katsina leaders, including Governor Dikko Radda, at the State House on Tuesday evening.
In a statement from Presidential spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu highlighted the urgent need to tackle insecurity throughout Nigeria, particularly in vulnerable areas like Katsina. He mentioned that the Federal Government is considering the establishment of a State Police and plans to further equip the recently deployed forest guards.
Tinubu criticized those who politicize the state police initiative, emphasizing the importance of community-based security forces that understand local environments and cultures. Onanuga reported the president's remarks: “The security challenges we face are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders. We have inherited weaknesses that should have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge we must confront, and we are doing so.”
“I have directed all security agencies to intensify their efforts and reassess their strategies. We have approved the acquisition of additional drones,” he added. Furthermore, Tinubu has mandated daily operational reports from Katsina to ensure ongoing oversight and prompt responses.
He stated, “I am reviewing all aspects of security; I am committed to creating a state police. We are taking a comprehensive approach to this issue. We will overcome insecurity. We must safeguard our children, communities, places of worship, and recreational areas. They will not intimidate us.”
In addition to security concerns, Tinubu assured that former President Muhammadu Buhari would be immortalized, citing his legacy as a foundation for national continuity. He expressed, “The time we lost our brother, President Buhari, is a loss for all of us. It is the will of God Almighty, but he has left in a good way. He didn’t hand over a defeated country or a battered political structure, but a legacy of success, which is the most important thing.”
Tinubu continued, “We just have to continue praying that Almighty Allah should grant him Aljannah Firdausi and give the rest of us the ability to stand very strong and push Nigeria forward. Not to look back in sorrow but move forward with success. It would have been regretful if we had lost the elections to the other parties. There are no other wishes he would have had than to have Katsina State and the Presidency intact.”
Governor Radda expressed gratitude to Tinubu for prioritizing Katsina, including the appointment of indigenes to strategic roles and ongoing infrastructure development. “Mr. President, I would like to thank you very much, and I want to say before our elders that I never came to the President with a request that he rejected. We thank you, Mr. President, for sharing with Katsina. You are a true son of Katsina State. I recall that Katsina was the first state you visited and spent a night in. We thank you for the privilege.”
The former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, also expressed appreciation for the state funeral accorded to the late President Buhari, calling it a mark of deep respect. Masari reaffirmed the loyalty of Katsina to the Tinubu administration and its security vision.
Additionally, the Waziri of Katsina, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, praised Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure, particularly the Kano-Maradi Rail project. He urged for an upgrade of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport to enhance functionality and regional connectivity, highlighting the need for improved transportation infrastructure in the region.
Radda concluded by appealing for greater Federal support in security, youth empowerment, and critical infrastructure projects, acknowledging the pressing issues affecting the state.
Author: ICT DEPT
FCT COMMAND ICT DEPT