Tinubu: Army Expansion Aims for Swift Insecurity Response; State Police Will Have Safeguards

President Bola Tinubu has defended the expansion of the Nigerian Army, explaining that the creation of four new divisions, bringing the total to 12, is crucial for ensuring rapid responses to insecurity across the country. He stated that these divisions are now better equipped and motivated to confront the persistent security challenges plaguing Nigeria.

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Congratulations on the Oriire rescue that succeeded. I think we succeeded with your support, prayers, and I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance.

The president made these remarks while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. Tinubu commended the security personnel for their gallantry and acknowledged the support and prayers of the traditional rulers and Nigerians in resolving recent abduction incidents, specifically mentioning the successful rescue in Oriire.

He emphasized a firm stance against negotiating with criminals, revealing that the abductors had demanded a review of their detained gang members and ransom money. "No deal," Tinubu declared, stressing that they would not negotiate with individuals who had committed murder. He also pointed to the regional insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic as exacerbating Nigeria's own challenges.

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We refused to negotiate. These criminals wanted us to review the release from detention, members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested. That was one of their conditions, aside from the money they’re looking for. And I said, ‘no deal,’ we are not going to negotiate with criminals. They committed murder.

Addressing concerns about the proposed introduction of state police, President Tinubu assured that robust checks and balances would be implemented to prevent abuses. He also highlighted plans to enhance the capacity of forest guards, transforming them from mere wildlife protectors into an active force against criminals operating in forests. The president urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, monitor their neighbors, and report any suspicious activities to aid in solving security issues.

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There will be state police. That state police will have guardrails from abuses. We’ll protect it from abuses, and you traditional rulers too will have roles to play.

On the economic front, Tinubu claimed significant improvement, noting that state governors are now receiving substantial funds and no longer need to borrow for salary payments. He encouraged traditional rulers to urge governors to prioritize quality infrastructure, such as road networks, over projects like flyovers that lack significant traffic, to improve quality of life and enhance security agency access to remote areas.

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We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards; they are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests.