December 27, 2025
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that recent reforms to the nation’s security architecture are beginning to take shape and 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 issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said his administration remains firmly committed to comprehensive security sector reforms, with particular emphasis on state and community policing as a sustainable response to emerging threats across the country.
“The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it,” the President said.
He urged religious leaders to actively support national security efforts through cooperation, vigilance, and sustained prayers, noting that some measures require time to mature before yielding visible outcomes.
“We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance, and cooperation,” Tinubu stated.
The President confirmed that the establishment of state and community police structures would become a reality once the National Assembly concludes the necessary legislative processes.
“Community and State Police will be a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs,” he said.
Tinubu explained that delays in acquiring critical military hardware have affected public perception of security improvements, stressing that such equipment is costly and not readily available.
“Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf,” he noted.
He disclosed that Nigeria has placed orders for four attack helicopters from the United States, while also engaging Turkey to further strengthen the country’s security capabilities.
“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 said.
Despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents, the President said the government remains resolute, emphasizing that restoring peace and strengthening national security remain top priorities.
Commenting on the recent abduction and release of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States, Tinubu urged vigilance, stressing that the safety of victims must always come first.
“The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means,” he said.
In his response, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh assured Tinubu of the Christian community’s support for his administration’s security agenda.
“You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration,” Okoh said.
He commended ongoing security efforts, noting that the 2025 Christmas season was notably peaceful across the country.
“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 consistent engagement with religious institutions, describing it as a major step toward rebuilding trust and cooperation.
“Your commitment has closed the gap between the government and the Church. This has never happened before,” he added.
The CAN President appealed for sustained collaboration through CAN’s structures across the 774 local government areas and requested the release of funds for the Christian Pilgrims’ Board.
Members of the delegation included the Vice President of CAN, 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.
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