Abuja, Nigeria | September 8, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security through the establishment of state police, as he met with governors from the North-East region in Abuja.
At the meeting held inside the Presidential Villa, the President emphasized that tackling insecurity requires a more localized and people-driven approach. He stressed that state policing, coupled with an upgrade of community-based security outfits such as forest guards, would play a central role in restoring safety across the country.
Tinubu noted that the North-East, which has long grappled with terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, deserves renewed attention under his administration’s security blueprint. “Our priority remains the safety of our citizens, protection of livelihoods, and defense of national stability. We cannot allow criminals to continue intimidating our people,” he said.
The governors in attendance, including those of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, and Gombe States, presented reports of ongoing challenges in their domains, highlighting persistent threats from insurgent groups and the need for increased federal support. They also expressed readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government on the proposed state policing framework.
The meeting, tagged Dateline Abuja, also addressed wider national issues, including food security, infrastructure development, and support for displaced persons in conflict-hit areas. Tinubu assured the governors of his administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, pledging that the Federal Government would not relent until peace and prosperity return to every part of the region.
Political observers say the renewed push for state policing could gain momentum as pressure mounts from northern leaders and traditional rulers urging urgent security reforms. However, the proposal may still face hurdles at the National Assembly, where constitutional amendments are required to actualize it.
