President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the creation of four additional divisions of the Nigerian Army is designed to ensure faster and more effective military response to security threats across the country.
Tinubu, who spoke on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers under the Oyo State Council of Obas, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the State House, said the expansion had increased the number of Army divisions from eight to 12.
He said the additional divisions had strengthened the military’s capacity and motivation to confront the insecurity that had persisted in the country.
The President also commended the armed forces for their role in the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He attributed the success of the operation to the gallantry of the security personnel, as well as the prayers and support of traditional rulers and Nigerians.
“Congratulations on the Oriire rescue that succeeded. I think we succeeded with your support and prayers. I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance,” Tinubu said.
The President disclosed that the Federal Government rejected the kidnappers’ demands during negotiations, particularly their request for the release of arrested members of their criminal gangs.
“We refused to negotiate. These criminals wanted us to review the release from detention of members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested. That was one of their conditions, aside from the money they were looking for.
“And I said, ‘No deal.’ We are not going to negotiate with criminals. They committed murder,” he said.
Tinubu further expressed concern over the impact of insecurity in neighbouring West African countries, particularly Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, saying the situation was adding to Nigeria’s security challenges.
State Police Will Have Safeguards, Says Tinubu
The President also assured Nigerians that the proposed state police would be established with adequate safeguards to prevent abuse.
“There will be state police. That state police will have guardrails from abuses. We’ll protect it from abuses, and you traditional rulers too will have roles to play,” he said.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government was enhancing the capacity of forest guards to enable them to tackle criminal elements operating in forests.
“We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests,” Tinubu said.
The President urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and develop stronger community-based intelligence networks by paying attention to suspicious persons and activities around their neighbourhoods.
Tinubu Urges Governors to Prioritise Roads
On the economy, Tinubu said the financial position of state governments had improved considerably, noting that governors were now receiving better revenues than in the past.
He urged traditional rulers to encourage governors to prioritise infrastructure that would have direct impact on the people, particularly roads and other transport networks.
According to him, quality road infrastructure would not only improve citizens’ quality of life but also enable security agencies to access remote areas more easily.
He cautioned against constructing infrastructure such as flyovers in areas where traffic volume did not justify such projects.
Ladoja Backs Tinubu, Calls for True Federalism
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended President Tinubu for the successful rescue of the Oriire victims and other achievements of his administration.
Ladoja advocated true federalism as a means of accelerating development across Nigeria’s regions.
He also proposed the establishment of regional commissions to drive development in the various regions.
The monarch expressed the support of traditional rulers for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the administration’s efforts in infrastructure development and road rehabilitation.
“We believe in your Renewed Hope Agenda. It is clear you are renewing our hope in infrastructure and fixing our abandoned roads,” Ladoja said.
He urged traditional rulers to support the administration, assuring Tinubu that they would continue to offer advice, prayers and constructive contributions.
Ladoja also called for the constitutional recognition of traditional rulers and the assignment of clearly defined roles to them in Nigeria’s governance structure.
Among the traditional rulers in the delegation were the Aare Ago of Ogbomoso, High Chief S. Otolorin; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Abioye Basiru Olalekan; Alajawa of Ajawa, Oba Adeyeye Oyetunji; Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III; and Mogaji Wole Arisekola.
Also present were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji; and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
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