Security Reforms Ongoing in Nigeria, but Much Remains — First Lady

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has said that while significant security reforms are currently underway across the country, much more work is required to fully address Nigeria’s security challenges.
She made this known while speaking at a public engagement where she highlighted steps being taken by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to combat insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
According to the First Lady, the Federal Government has initiated wide-ranging reforms within the security sector, including the recruitment of additional security personnel, the deployment of armed forest guards to deny criminal groups safe havens, and improved coordination among security agencies.
She noted that forests across different parts of the country have long been exploited by bandits and terrorists as hideouts, stressing that the introduction of armed forest guards is aimed at reclaiming these spaces and strengthening internal security.
Mrs Tinubu also revealed that Nigeria is deepening international partnerships, particularly with the United States, to enhance intelligence sharing, training, and technical support in the fight against insecurity.
“Security reforms are ongoing, but much still remains to be done. Government is committed to doing everything necessary to secure lives and property,” she said.
The First Lady emphasised that security is not solely the responsibility of government, calling on communities, traditional institutions, and citizens to support security agencies by providing timely information and promoting peace at the grassroots level.
She further stated that the administration understands the human and economic cost of insecurity, adding that restoring peace remains central to national development, social stability, and economic growth.
Observers say the renewed focus on recruitment, forest security, and international cooperation signals a more comprehensive approach to tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges, even as citizens continue to demand faster and more visible results.