President says security reforms will mature, confirms plans for state police and new military hardware

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the country’s security architecture will soon deliver tangible results capable of restoring public confidence.

The President gave the assurance on Friday while receiving a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence.

According to a statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to pursue comprehensive security sector reforms, including the establishment of state and community policing to effectively tackle emerging threats nationwide.

Tinubu called on religious leaders to support government efforts through cooperation, vigilance and prayers, stressing that some security initiatives required time to fully take effect.

The President disclosed that state and community policing would become operational once the National Assembly completed the necessary legislative processes.

Explaining delays in strengthening military capacity, Tinubu noted that the procurement of military hardware was costly and time-consuming.

“Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf,” he said.

He revealed that Nigeria had ordered four attack helicopters from the United States and was also engaging Turkey for additional military support.

“Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have approached Turkey for assistance,” Tinubu stated.

Despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents, the President said his administration remained resolute in its commitment to restoring peace and security across the country.

On the recent abduction and release of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States, Tinubu urged sustained vigilance, emphasising that the safety of the victims was paramount.

In his response, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, pledged the support of the Christian community for the Tinubu administration.

He commended the government’s efforts to improve security, noting that the 2025 Christmas season was unusually peaceful.

“This Christmas happened to be the first in many years that we were not woken up by midnight calls reporting attacks on churches,” he said.

Okoh also praised Tinubu’s engagement with religious organisations, describing it as a significant step toward rebuilding trust between the government and the Church.

The CAN President appealed for sustained engagement through the association’s structures across the 774 local government areas and requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board.

Other members of the delegation included CAN Vice President, Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba; President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; and representatives of the Catholic, Methodist and African Instituted Churches.