President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the changes to the country’s security system will soon yield positive results.
Gatekeepers News reports that 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 residence in Lagos.
The meeting was disclosed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu said his administration is working toward the creation of state and community policing as part of broader efforts to address insecurity across the country.
He explained that these steps are aimed at changing the current security situation but would require time to fully take effect.
President Tinubu urged CAN to support the government, noting that collective effort and patience were needed to achieve national goals.
He said, “The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it. We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance, and cooperation.”
The President said plans for state and community police would move forward once the National Assembly concludes the necessary legislative work.
Tinubu also spoke about efforts to strengthen the military, pointing out that security equipment is costly and not easily replaced.
He said, “Community and State Police will be a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs; Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf.”
The President disclosed that the government had ordered four attack helicopters from the United States but said delivery would take time. He added that Nigeria had also reached out to Turkey for further assistance to boost its security capacity.
Tinubu said, “Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have approached Turkey for assistance.”
He acknowledged that delays in equipment delivery had affected public perception of the government’s commitment but insisted that his administration remained focused on restoring peace and stability.
The president said security agencies were continuing their work despite the tactics used by bandits and insurgents.
Reacting to the recent kidnapping and release of school children in Niger and Kebbi states, President Tinubu called for greater vigilance, saying outcomes mattered more than public debates over the details.
He said, “ The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means.”
Speaking on behalf of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh pledged the association’s support for the President and his administration.
Okoh said, “You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration.”
He confirmed that the association had received government palliatives usually provided during religious festivals and other periods, and he praised President Tinubu’s efforts to tackle economic and security challenges.
He said, “We acknowledge that the task before you is daunting, but we are assured of your sagacity. The Christian community is committed to ensuring that you succeed.”
“Your commitment has closed the gap between the government and the Church. This has never happened before, and we are willing to work with you because we have seen genuine intentions.”
Archbishop Okoh also appealed for continued engagement between the President and CAN through its established structures across the 774 local government areas. He further requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board to enable it to carry out its responsibilities.
Other members of the delegation included CAN Vice President, Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba; President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; representatives of Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Catholic and Methodist blocs, and CAN Chairman in Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite.
