Minister Says More Police Recruitment, Digital Border Security Underway
By Joan Nezi| Abuja | November 5, 2025
The Federal Government has announced ongoing consultations between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors aimed at establishing a state policing system as part of broader reforms to tackle insecurity across Nigeria.
This was disclosed on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, who said President Tinubu has also approved the recruitment of additional police personnel and the deployment of huge investments into modern policing infrastructure to strengthen national security.
“Mr. President is working closely with all governors in Nigeria to bring the state police system into place. The goal is to ensure that policing becomes more community-based, intelligence-driven, and responsive to local realities,” the Minister said.
More Officers, More Investment
The Minister revealed that Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to embark on massive recruitment of both men and women, with a particular focus on balancing gender inclusion and strengthening local enforcement capabilities.
He added that the Federal Government is also making huge investments in the police through the provision of equipment, technology, and welfare enhancement to improve operational efficiency and morale.
“This administration recognizes that security is the foundation for economic growth. We are increasing the manpower and investing heavily in digital intelligence, logistics, and welfare to empower our security agencies,” he said.
Foreign Lobbyists Behind Nigeria’s Negative Image — FG
The Minister decried what he described as a deliberate campaign by foreign lobbyists, influencers, and some local collaborators to paint Nigeria in a bad light internationally.
“We are aware of certain foreign interests and local enablers who profit from projecting Nigeria as unstable or unsafe. The truth is that President Tinubu is taking decisive steps to rebuild our security architecture and restore confidence both at home and abroad,” he stated.
He urged the Nigerian media to exercise restraint and national responsibility in their reportage of security matters, warning that sensationalism could embolden enemies of the state and demoralize law enforcement efforts.
“Insecurity affects everyone — government, citizens, and the media alike. It is our collective duty to help ameliorate it in the interest of our country,” he added.
Boosting Border Security Through Technology
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s porous borders, the Minister said President Tinubu has also approved massive recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and authorized huge digital investments in the agency to enhance surveillance and border control.
He noted that technology-driven border management is critical to stopping cross-border crimes, arms smuggling, and illegal migration that often fuel domestic insecurity.
“We are moving toward a new digital era in immigration management, where every entry and exit point will be monitored through advanced systems. The era of blind spots at our borders is coming to an end,” he affirmed.
Bandits Are Terrorists — Minister Reaffirms Buhari’s Policy
The Minister further reminded journalists that the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari had formally designated bandits as terrorists, a move he said was both “necessary and right.”
He reaffirmed that President Tinubu has zero tolerance for terrorism and criminality, emphasizing that the government is committed to rooting out all violent elements threatening national peace.
“President Tinubu demonstrated his seriousness by charging the new service chiefs to go all out and flush out criminals and terrorists wherever they are hiding. There will be no safe haven for crime in Nigeria,” he asserted.
Solid Minerals Minister Commends FG’s Approach
Also speaking at the briefing, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake, commended his colleagues for laying out key statistics and policy updates on government actions to reduce insecurity.
Alake described the briefing as a reflection of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparency and evidence-based governance.
“The takeaway from this briefing is that the government’s response to insecurity is strategic and multi-dimensional. From manpower expansion to digital border systems, and a reinvigorated security architecture — this administration is injecting new enthusiasm and impetus into the fight against terrorism and insurgency,” Alake said.
A Unified Security Agenda
The Federal Government reiterated that the success of ongoing security reforms depends on synergy between federal and state governments, the security forces, and citizens.
As consultations continue on the state police framework, Nigerians are being urged to cooperate with security agencies, share intelligence, and support efforts to build safer communities across the country.
“Security is everyone’s business,” the Minister concluded. “The Tinubu administration will not rest until Nigeria is safe for every citizen.”
Summary Points:
* Tinubu, governors advancing plans for state police system.
* President orders recruitment and major investment in police and immigration.
* FG accuses foreign lobbyists of fueling Nigeria’s negative image.
* Minister confirms Buhari’s classification of bandits as terrorists was “right.”
* Dele Alake praises Tinubu’s renewed security strategy and transparency.
