President Bola Tinubu on Friday, December 26, 2025, assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the country's security architecture will soon yield tangible results, restoring public confidence amid persistent challenges like banditry and insurgency. The assurance came during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at the President's residence in Lagos.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized his administration's commitment to comprehensive security reforms, including the establishment of state and community policing. "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," the President said, urging CAN to partner with the government.
Tinubu explained that creating state and community police depends on legislative processes at the National Assembly. "Community and State Police will be a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs," he noted, adding that military hardware acquisitions face delays due to cost and availability. "Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf. 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 acknowledged that such delays have impacted public perception but insisted the government remains resolute in confronting "guerrilla tactics" employed by criminals. Commenting on recent schoolchildren abductions in Niger and Kebbi states, Tinubu stressed vigilance: "The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means."
Responding, Archbishop Okoh assured full support: "You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration." He commended palliatives extended to CAN during festivities, praising Tinubu's socio-economic and security efforts. "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 appealed for direct engagement through CAN's structures in Nigeria's 774 local governments and funding for the Christian Pilgrims’ Board. The delegation included CAN Vice President Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria President Bishop Francis Wale Oke, representatives from the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Catholic and Methodist blocs, and Lagos CAN Chairman Bishop Stephen Adegbite.
The meeting underscores Tinubu's outreach to faith leaders amid national challenges, blending security updates with calls for unity during the festive season.
