President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate review of security operations in Katsina State, with assurances of deploying advanced military hardware, drones, and strengthening local security outfits to tackle banditry.
Speaking on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving a delegation of Katsina leaders led by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Tinubu said the federal government was considering the creation of state police and reinforcing the recently deployed forest guards to provide community-based security.
The President lamented the politicisation of the state police debate, stressing that security exigencies in some states demand tailored approaches that respect local culture and terrain.
“The security challenges we face are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders and inherited weaknesses, but we must fix them. I have directed all security agencies to intensify their strategies. We have approved additional drones and I expect daily feedback on operations in Katsina,” Tinubu said.
He added that his administration is reviewing all aspects of national security, with a determination to protect children, livelihoods, places of worship, and public spaces from criminal attacks.
On the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu assured that the federal government would immortalise him, describing the former leader as one who left “a legacy of success and not a defeated country.”
Governor Radda, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the President’s continuous support for Katsina, including federal appointments for indigenes and infrastructure projects.
He appealed for more backing in security, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
Former Governor Aminu Bello Masari also thanked Tinubu for honouring Buhari with what he described as a “true state funeral,” pledging continued loyalty from the state.
The Waziri of Katsina, Senator Ibrahim Ida, commended the President for his commitment to completing the Kano-Maradi Rail project and urged for an upgrade of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, while calling for greater security focus in Southern Katsina.
