President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given Nigerians fresh assurances that the ongoing overhaul of the country's security framework will soon produce visible results, helping to rebuild public trust. The President made this commitment during a crucial meeting with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at his residence in Lagos on Friday, December 27, 2025.
Security Reforms and the Path to State Policing
According to a statement released by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasized his administration's unwavering dedication to reforming the security sector. A central pillar of this reform is the establishment of state and community policing to directly tackle emerging threats nationwide.
"The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it," the President stated, acknowledging the difficulties while projecting confidence.
He called on religious leaders to bolster government efforts through active cooperation, increased vigilance, and prayers, explaining that some security strategies need time to fully develop. "We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance and cooperation," Tinubu appealed.
On the highly anticipated issue of decentralizing security, the President confirmed that state and community police would become a reality once the National Assembly completes the necessary legislative processes.
Military Hardware Challenges and New Orders
President Tinubu also addressed public concerns over delays in procuring critical military equipment. He clarified that such hardware is costly, difficult to replace, and not readily available for immediate purchase.
To bolster the nation's arsenal, he disclosed that Nigeria has placed an order for four attack helicopters from the United States, though delivery will take time. Additionally, the government is in talks with Turkey to secure further assistance and equipment.
Despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents, Tinubu stressed that his government remains resolute, with restoring peace and security as its topmost priority.
Focus on Outcomes in Kidnap Cases
Speaking on the recent abduction and subsequent release of school children in Niger and Kebbi States, the President urged continued public vigilance, placing the safety of victims above all else. "The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means," he remarked, highlighting a pragmatic approach to such crises.
CAN Pledges Support, Notes Improved Christmas Security
In his response, the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured President Tinubu of the Christian community's full support for his administration. "You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration," Okoh declared.
He commended the administration's security efforts, noting a tangible improvement during the just-concluded 2025 Christmas celebrations. "This Christmas happened to be the first in many years that we were not woken up by midnight calls reporting attacks on churches," he observed, indicating a positive shift.
Archbishop Okoh also praised the President's consistent engagement with religious bodies, stating it had significantly strengthened trust between the government and the Church—a development he described as unprecedented.
The CAN leadership further appealed for sustained dialogue through its structures across all 774 local government areas and requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board.
The high-level delegation included notable figures such as CAN Vice President, Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba; President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; and representatives from the Catholic, Methodist, and African Instituted Churches.
