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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions is aimed at improving the military's response to insecurity, while assuring Nigerians that the proposed state police system will operate under strict safeguards to prevent abuse.
The President spoke on Thursday at the Presidential Villa while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State under the auspices of the Oyo State Council of Obas, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Tinubu said the additional army divisions would enhance the operational capacity of the Armed Forces, shorten response time to security threats and strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
He commended the military and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, describing the operation as a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the nation's security personnel.
The President disclosed that the kidnappers demanded the release of detained members of their criminal gang, in addition to ransom payments, but the Federal Government rejected the conditions, insisting it would never negotiate with terrorists.
He noted that insecurity in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic had worsened Nigeria's security challenges, with some criminal elements crossing into the country to perpetrate violent crimes.
On the proposed establishment of state police, Tinubu assured Nigerians that adequate legal and institutional safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse, while traditional rulers would play active roles in supporting community policing.
He added that the Federal Government was also strengthening the capacity of forest guards to flush out criminal elements hiding in forests and other remote locations.
The President urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, know their neighbours and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies to improve intelligence gathering.
Speaking on the economy, Tinubu said state governments now receive significantly higher allocations from the Federation Account than in previous years, adding that many governors no longer borrow to pay workers' salaries and pensions.
He advised governors to channel available resources into building roads and strategic transport networks that improve connectivity and enable security agencies to access rural communities, rather than constructing flyovers in areas with minimal traffic.
In his remarks, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended President Tinubu for the successful rescue of the Oriire abductees and the progress recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The monarch expressed support for true federalism and the establishment of regional development commissions, while urging constitutional recognition of traditional rulers with clearly defined roles in national governance.
The meeting was attended by several traditional rulers from Oyo State, alongside the President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe, Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
