President Bola Tinubu has outlined plans to establish specialized police units, according to Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The announcement was made during a meeting in Abuja on Friday, where President Tinubu discussed his vision for overhauling Nigeria’s security architecture with governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr. Onanuga took to his official X social media handle on Saturday to share the details of the proposed security reforms. President Tinubu reportedly revealed plans for the creation of three new police formations, specifically designed to complement the existing police force. These include the establishment of a marine police force, a solid mineral police force, and the enhancement of forest guards through better training, modern technological gadgets, and advanced weaponry.
Quoting President Tinubu, Onanuga explained that the deployment of forest guards would be accompanied by comprehensive training, state-of-the-art technology, and weapons to fortify security measures. The aim is to safeguard the nation’s forests and natural resources effectively. Additionally, special police units dedicated to the solid mineral and marine economic sectors will be created to ensure the security of these vital industries.
President Tinubu emphasized the significance of the marine economy and expressed his commitment to establishing a dedicated marine police force. “We have a big marine economy, and I do not see why we should not have the marine police,” he stated during the meeting.
Furthermore, the President emphasized the need for security measures in the solid mineral sector to ward off scavengers. He pledged his willingness to invest in security and asserted that purchasing and storing the nation’s mineral resources, especially gold, in reserves would be a strategic move.
President Tinubu’s plans indicate a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted security challenges facing Nigeria. By creating specialized police units for distinct sectors, the government aims to tailor security measures to the unique demands of each industry, fostering a safer and more secure environment for economic activities.
As the nation awaits the implementation of these security reforms, the announcement underscores the commitment of the government to proactively address security concerns and bolster the protection of vital sectors crucial for Nigeria’s growth and development.
