Insecurity: Tinubu pledges state police, honors late Kogi gov, Audu

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that restoring peace, strengthening national security, and improving economic opportunities are the fundamental priorities of his administration, characterizing his recent security actions as a “declaration of war” against criminal elements, assuring that the much discussed state police will be established.

The President’s commitment was delivered in Lokoja on Sunday at the memorial of former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Idris, in a statement signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, assured attendees that the Federal Government is fully committed to confronting threats to national stability, referencing the renewed wave of kidnappings in Niger and Kebbi states that has forced the closure of schools.

“We are under no illusions about the recent setbacks and security challenges that have tested our nation’s resolve,” the President acknowledged. “Let me be unequivocal: the security and welfare of every Nigerian remain the sacred priority of my government. We have therefore taken decisive action.”

The Minister noted that the recently declared State of Emergency on national security represents a renewed push to expand manpower, modernize intelligence, and implement strategic reforms, including the advancement of State Police.

The President stressed the gravity of the declaration: “The recent Declaration of a State of Emergency on national security underscores the gravity with which we view this challenge. This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity.”

He detailed immediate plans to bolster the nation’s forces: “As part of this, we have immediately begun the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies in numbers, in advanced weaponry, and in intelligence capabilities. We will hunt the enemies of our state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.”

Idris added that reforming the security structure is key to achieving lasting peace: “To secure our people permanently, we must reform the very architecture of our security. This is why my administration is courageously championing the establishment of a State Police Force.”

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He described the necessity of the structural change: “We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces. It will also boost employment in the grassroots. This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through,” he said.

Reflecting on the legacy of the late Audu, President Tinubu described him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic development.

“We are gathered to honour a giant- a man whose name is irrevocably woven into the very fabric of our democratic journey,” Tinubu stated. “Prince Abubakar Audu was not just a politician; he was a pathfinder. As the first democratically elected Governor of Kogi State, first in 1992 and again as a pioneer in 1999, Prince Audu carved out a vision for Kogi State and helped lay the foundation for our nation’s enduring democracy.”

The President also recalled their political relationship: “He was my formidable ally, a brother in the struggle, and one of the founding fathers who, with courage and conviction, laid the foundations upon which our democratic ideals now stand. His legacy is not a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing template of bold leadership and transformative governance. It is a template this administration is committed to honouring, not just in words, but in concrete action.”

The President highlighted ongoing reform efforts across the economy, including moves to modernize livestock farming, a major source of conflict in the country.

“We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry,” Tinubu said. “This includes the creation of large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry, and the integration of the livestock value chain into our national economy. Our goal is to transform this critical sector from a source of tension into a bastion of prosperity.”

Tinubu added that through the Social Investment Programmes, his administration aims to strengthen support for vulnerable citizens, small businesses, and young people. He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure expansion, saying, “We are building the arteries that will connect our markets, power our industries, and unite our people.”

Concluding his tribute, the President said: “Your Excellency and the good people of Kogi State, the legacy of development Prince Audu began in Kogi is a model we are determined to replicate and scale across the nation.”

The Minister also stated that the Federal Government is intensifying diplomatic engagement to counter false narratives about Nigeria’s religious harmony.

The event was attended by political leaders, family members, and supporters of the late governor. The renewed statements on security come days after President Tinubu cancelled scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to personally coordinate the government’s security strategy.

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