Tinubu Mulls State Police After Civilian JTF Successes

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, September 3, said he was considering the possibility of establishing State Police, following the successes recorded by the Civilian JTF in curbing insecurity in the Northeast, in collaboration with conventional security agencies.
Speaking at the State House while receiving members of the Northeast Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Tinubu said: “I have looked more carefully at the security situation. I see the efforts of Civilian JTFs and communities.
“This has again provoked my thinking on state police. We can work with the National Assembly to design a framework that guarantees local ownership while ensuring political neutrality.”
The President commended the resilience and collaboration of the governors, saying despite daunting security and developmental challenges, the region has recorded remarkable progress in stabilisation, resettlement and social services.
He said his administration had in just two years, turned the economy around, supported resettlement of displaced persons and prioritised infrastructure, health and education, noting: “Our history since we came into office has been about facing challenges with determination.
“We campaigned, convinced Nigerians and won elections. Ever since, we have confronted the realities of governance.
“Together, we can beat our chest that the economy has turned around and displaced citizens are returning to their homes under roofs provided by resettlement and housing programmes.”
He said despite distractions from early political manoeuvres, he remains “laser-focused” on governance and on delivering dividends of democracy.
Responding, Zulum thanked the President for sustaining the fight against insurgency and supporting environmental mitigation in the region.
He called for renewed efforts to sustain military operations in the Lake Chad basin, funding of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), completion of critical road projects and renewed oil exploration in Kolmani and Lake Chad.
He added: “With your Renewed Hope Agenda, we are confident decades of neglect and environmental challenges in the Northeast will be reversed.
“We assure you of our full partnership as you provide good governance and lasting legacies for Nigeria.”