Tinubu to CAN: Security Recalibration Will Yield Results Soon

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a fresh assurance to the Nigerian populace, declaring that the ongoing "recalibration" of the country's security architecture is poised to deliver the peace and stability citizens desire. The President made this commitment on Friday at his Lagos residence while hosting a high-powered delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh. The meeting served as a platform for the President to clarify his administration's strategic shifts in combating the hydra-headed monster of insecurity, ranging from banditry to insurgency.  

In his address, President Tinubu acknowledged that while the current security situation remains a significant challenge, his administration has not been idle. He explained that the "new approaches" being adopted involve a blend of structural reforms and hard-power acquisition. Central to these reforms is the establishment of state and community police—a policy shift that has been debated for decades. The President confirmed that this decentralization of policing will become a reality once the National Assembly concludes the necessary constitutional amendments, signaling a move towards a more localized and responsive security apparatus.  

Addressing the logistical bottlenecks hampering military operations, the President revealed that the federal government is actively upgrading its aerial combat capabilities. He disclosed that orders have been placed for four attack helicopters from the United States, although he admitted that delivery timelines have been slower than anticipated due to manufacturing and diplomatic protocols. To bridge this gap, the administration has opened a new line of defense cooperation with Turkey, seeking immediate assistance to bolster the equipment inventory of the Nigerian Armed Forces. These moves, he noted, are critical for dislodging non-state actors from their forest strongholds.  

The President also spoke candidly about the "ungoverned spaces" that have become sanctuaries for criminals, admitting that the sheer vastness of these territories poses a logistical nightmare. "The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large," Tinubu stated. He described the tactics of bandits and insurgents as "guerrilla" in nature, which requires patience to dismantle effectively. He urged religious leaders to continue their spiritual intercession, describing Nigerians as "prayer warriors" whose faith complements the kinetic efforts of the military.  

On the recent wave of abductions in Niger and Kebbi states, the President adopted a pragmatic stance regarding the controversial release of the victims. He asserted that the "rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary," emphasizing that "the end justifies the means" when it comes to saving innocent lives. This statement underscores the administration’s prioritization of hostage safety, even as it continues to refine its broader operational rules of engagement.  

In his response, the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended the President for his accessibility and zeal in tackling the nation's socio-economic and security woes. He acknowledged the daunting nature of the task but expressed confidence in the President’s "sagacity" to navigate the country through these turbulent times. The visit by the Christian leadership was seen as a significant vote of confidence in the administration's efforts to foster national cohesion amidst diverse threats.  

The assurances given in Lagos come against the backdrop of intensified military actions in the North, including confirmed collaborative airstrikes with international partners like the United States. By engaging directly with religious leadership, President Tinubu appears to be building a broad-based consensus for his security agenda, asking for patience as the "recalibration" process matures into a robust shield for the nation.