As insecurity persists daily in the northern region, particularly the North-West, President Bola Tinubu has pledged to bring it to an end.
Speaking at a state dinner hosted in his honour yesterday night at the Katsina Government House, he pledged to intensify efforts to secure ungoverned territories in Nigeria.
Tinubu said forests in the North West will be protected and recovered through advanced surveillance and technology as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
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The President responded to security concerns raised by former Governor Bello Masari, promising bold action to restore safety across affected regions.
“We will invest more in technology and take over the forests,” the President said. “Security is a national issue. If we truly want investment in Nigeria, we must address security. Investment is cowardly—it will not go where there is banditry and terrorism.”
He added that federal authorities would work collaboratively with states and local governments to implement lasting solutions to insecurity.
Tinubu also lauded recent signs of economic recovery, attributing the progress to decisive policy measures. He revealed that the federal government was considering plans to upgrade Katsina’s airport—a move expected to stimulate the local economy and create employment opportunities.
He assured that victims of terrorism would receive federal support to help them rebuild their lives.
He expressed gratitude to former Masari for backing his presidential bid and acknowledged the support of governors from Kaduna, Jigawa, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Sokoto, and Kwara States, who attended project commissioning events and the wedding of Governor Radda’s daughter.
Reflecting on the contributions of Katsina’s political figures, Tinubu praised former President Muhammadu Buhari as a man of integrity who had played a significant role in national development. “I wish him well,” he added.
However, Governor Dikko Radda highlighted the state’s security efforts, including the creation of a local intelligence outfit.
He also announced that the proposed expansion of Katsina Airport—featuring cargo and passenger terminals and upgraded fire services—would generate an estimated 2,700 direct jobs and cost N54 billion.
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Former Masari commended the President for appointing two Katsina indigenes to ministerial roles, and others from the region to strategic positions, including in the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Justifying his support for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential race, Masari said: “You have the political will and courage to face the challenges of this country. Leadership is not about when all is well. The hard way is the best, and I believe you can do it.”
He called for a grassroots approach to ending insecurity in the northwest.
