President Tinubu Orders Security Overhaul in Katsina, Backs State Police

In a move to decisively combat the rising wave of banditry, President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate review of security operations in Katsina State. The president, who announced on Tuesday, has also pledged to deploy more advanced military hardware and surveillance drones to the state. This directive is part of a broader commitment to address insecurity nationwide.

President Tinubu stressed that Nigeria's security challenges are "surmountable" and that his administration is exploring a comprehensive approach. This includes the potential establishment of state police and the upgrading of forest guards to enhance grassroots security. He emphasized the importance of having security outfits that understand local terrain and culture, as they are better equipped to respond to threats at a community level.

Tinubu has directed that daily feedback on security operations in Katsina State must be provided, underscoring the urgency of the matter. He stated that a holistic review of all aspects of national security is underway, with the creation of state police being a key consideration. This push for decentralized policing aligns with a growing consensus that a one-size-fits-all approach to security is no longer effective.

The idea of state police has been a long-standing debate in Nigeria, with proponents arguing that it would improve local responsiveness to crime and strengthen community policing. Forest guards, historically focused on conservation, would also be reimagined and equipped to confront criminals who use the nation's vast forests as hideouts.

By taking these steps, President Tinubu is signalling a new, more proactive strategy to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians, with a focus on leveraging local knowledge and technology to defeat insecurity.