President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture in 2026 through deeper collaboration with regional and global partners, alongside reforms aimed at confronting terrorism, banditry and other emerging threats.

The President made this known in his New Year’s address to the nation on January 1, where he said security and intelligence agencies would intensify cooperation with international allies to eliminate all threats to national security.

He stressed that the protection of lives and property, as well as the preservation of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, remains a foremost priority of his administration.

Tinubu observed that while economic reforms are crucial for national progress, sustainable development cannot be realised in the absence of peace and stability across the country.

He explained that his government would continue to pursue a comprehensive security strategy that blends intelligence-driven operations, international partnerships and far-reaching institutional reforms.

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

“We remain resolute in protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country. I continue to believe that a decentralised policing system, with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards and anchored on accountability, is critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.

“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part. Nation-building is a shared responsibility.

“We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity in our respective roles. Let us resolve to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better stewards of our nation,” he averred.

The President reiterated his strong support for a decentralised policing system, describing it as a vital response to Nigeria’s complex and evolving security challenges.

According to him, the decentralised policing framework must be implemented with appropriate safeguards, strong accountability mechanisms and clearly defined regulatory structures.

Tinubu also underscored the importance of properly regulated forest guards as a complementary security measure, particularly in addressing banditry and criminal activities in difficult-to-access areas.

He stated that when these measures are effectively coordinated, they would significantly strengthen internal security and enhance the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies nationwide.