Tinubu assures CAN security reforms will soon yield results

President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the country’s security architecture will soon begin to deliver positive results.

The president gave the assurance during a meeting with 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 Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy.

Tinubu said his administration remains committed to overhauling Nigeria’s security framework, including the establishment of state and community police to address persistent insecurity.

He called on CAN to partner with his administration in achieving the nation’s collective goals, noting that some security measures already initiated require time to mature.

“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,” Tinubu said.

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The president said the creation of community and state police was dependent on ongoing legislative processes at the National Assembly.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu also spoke on efforts to strengthen the military’s capacity, noting delays in the delivery of key equipment.

“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 said.

He acknowledged that such delays have affected public perception of the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity but insisted that his administration remains resolute.

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The president said the government would not relent in its efforts to restore peace and prosperity, despite what he described as the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents.

Commenting on the recent abduction and subsequent release of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi states, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain vigilant.

“The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means,” he said.

Responding, CAN president Archbishop Daniel Okoh assured the president of the association’s support.

“You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration,” Okoh said.

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He acknowledged the receipt of palliatives usually extended to CAN during religious festivities and at other times, and commended Tinubu’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.

“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,” he said.

“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,” Okoh added.

The CAN president, however, appealed to Tinubu to engage directly with the association through its established structures across the country’s 774 local government areas. He also requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board to enable it to carry out its mandate.

Other members of the delegation included CAN vice president, Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba; president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; and representatives of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), the Catholic and Methodist blocs, as well as the CAN chairman in Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite.