President Bola Tinubu has said that setting up state police is now a must if Nigeria truly wants to solve its growing security problems.

On Tuesday, September 2, while receiving top leaders from Katsina State led by Governor Dikko Radda at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that his government is determined to deal with banditry and other crimes directly.

The president ordered security agencies to rethink how they operate in Katsina, where cases of bandit attacks have increased.

He also revealed that modern military tools, drones, and surveillance systems will soon be deployed in the area. In addition, he announced plans to strengthen the newly recruited forest guards in the state.

Tinubu admitted that insecurity in Nigeria is tough but not impossible to defeat. He pointed out that weak border control and long-standing problems were inherited, but insisted his administration is tackling them.

According to him, security agencies have been directed to step up their efforts and improve their strategies. He added that more drones will be purchased, and every part of security will be reviewed.

Tinubu stressed that creating state police is part of the plan and that Nigerians must be protected in their homes, schools, worship centers, and recreational spaces.

He also reminded the audience that back in February 2024, the federal government set up a committee to design a structure for state policing.

Although many people have supported the idea, Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed in March that 20 states had not yet sent in their reports.

The president used the opportunity to honor former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that his legacy will be kept alive. He praised Buhari for leaving Nigeria in a stable state and not in crisis.

Governor Radda thanked Tinubu for always supporting Katsina and listening to his requests. Other speakers like former Governor Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Ida, the Wazirin of Katsina, also praised Tinubu for respecting Buhari’s memory and for improving infrastructure.

Ida further appealed to the federal government to upgrade Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and boost security in the southern part of the state.