Judge Us After 2027” – Bwala Defends Tinubu’s Security Efforts

According to Ireporter Online, Bwala stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is strengthening the nation’s security architecture through increased recruitment of security personnel, deployment of advanced technology and deeper international cooperation.

Speaking during a panel session on The Link Up Podcast hosted by echoRoom, the presidential aide explained that the government is aware that the current number of security personnel is insufficient to effectively secure the country’s large population and geographical size.

He revealed that one of the major steps being taken by the government is the recruitment and retraining of more security officers to improve the capacity of security agencies.

Bwala said the expansion covers the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), marine security units and other security formations.

He added that some newly recruited personnel would be deployed as forest guards to prevent criminal elements from using forests as hideouts for carrying out attacks and illegal activities.

According to him, the government is also strengthening collaboration with paramilitary groups and licensed private security companies to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.

The presidential aide further highlighted the importance of community policing, noting that local participation and intelligence sharing would help security agencies respond faster to threats.

He disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the withdrawal of police officers attached to certain VIPs, adding that officers who fail to comply with the directive would be identified and sanctioned.

Bwala also revealed that technology has become a key part of the government’s security strategy, with investments being made in drone surveillance, intelligence systems and electronic interception tools to track criminal activities.

He explained that intelligence-driven operations allow security agencies to monitor suspects carefully and carry out targeted actions while reducing risks to civilians.

The presidential aide noted that Nigeria is also expanding security cooperation with neighbouring Sahel countries and strengthening defence partnerships with international allies, including the United States.

He said some Nigerian special forces had recently completed joint exercises with American counterparts, while additional personnel remain engaged in specialised training programmes.

Bwala, however, stressed that details of such operations would remain classified to avoid exposing sensitive information to criminal groups.

Speaking on the rising cases of kidnapping, he described the situation as a “crisis economy”, noting that the crime is no longer carried out only by terrorist organisations but also by individuals within communities.

He said investigations had revealed that some kidnappers were ordinary Nigerians, including people familiar with their victims.

On criticisms of the government’s handling of insecurity, Bwala urged Nigerians to wait until after the election period before making final assessments of the administration’s performance.

He argued that insecurity often increases around election seasons because criminal elements may be recruited or armed for political purposes.

“Judge us after elections,” Bwala said, urging Nigerians to evaluate the government’s security record beyond the election cycle.

The presidential aide also disclosed that security agencies had begun taking action against compromised officers within the system, citing the arrest of a senior police officer by mine marshals as an example of ongoing efforts to improve accountability.

Bwala maintained that despite the challenges facing the country, the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace through improved manpower, modern technology, intelligence coordination, international partnerships and stronger community involvement.