Tinubu Backs Decentralised Policing, Regulated Forest Guards to Combat Terrorism and Banditry

Nigerian Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his support for a decentralised policing system, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, as a key strategy to confront terrorism and banditry nationwide.

In his New Year 2026 message to Nigerians, the President said such a security architecture, anchored on accountability and appropriate safeguards, remains central to restoring peace and stability nationwide.

President Tinubu noted that while the path of reform is challenging, economic progress must go hand in hand with security and national stability, stressing that safeguarding lives and property remains a core responsibility of his administration.

He said Nigeria continues to face threats from criminal and terrorist elements, but decisive actions have been taken in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, to neutralise terrorist targets, particularly in parts of the Northwest.

“Our nation continues to confront security threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined to disrupt our way of life. In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24. Our Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast”.

Looking ahead, President Tinubu said security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate all threats to national security.

“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security.

“I continue to believe that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, all anchored on accountability, is critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges”.

The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring lasting peace.