“Tinubu Approves Purchase of Additional Drones to Fight Banditry in Northern Nigeria”
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said he has directed an immediate review of security operations in northern Nigeria following a spate of bandit attacks.
He assured that his government would strengthen countermeasures with advanced military hardware and surveillance drones, saying he had given approval for more acquisitions.
Receiving a delegation of eminent Katsina citizens led by Governor Dikko Radda at the State House on Tuesday, the President said the government is considering the establishment of state police and upgrading the capacity of recently deployed forest guards to boost local security response.
“The security challenges we are facing are surmountable. We have porous borders and inherited weaknesses, but they are challenges we must fix.
“I have directed all security agencies to energise further and review their strategies. We have also approved the additional acquisition of drones,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that security agencies must provide daily updates on operations in Katsina.
The President noted that the peculiarities of some states required security outfits that understand the terrain and culture of local communities, adding that state police would be considered as part of broader reforms.
“We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, people, livelihood, places of worship, and recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us,” he assured.
During the meeting, Tinubu also pledged to immortalise former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader who left behind a “legacy of success” and a strong political structure.
Governor Radda, while thanking the President for his sustained support, highlighted the state’s needs in the areas of security, youth empowerment, and infrastructure.
He praised Tinubu for what he described as “unfailing responsiveness” to Katsina’s requests.