Mirian Gom 
President Bola Tinubu
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Federal Government confirms it has approached Turkey for security assistance as part of broader efforts to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and insurgency challenges.
President Bola Tinubu makes the disclosure during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence on Friday.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president urges religious leaders to work closely with his administration, stressing that ongoing security measures require time to yield results.
“The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it,” Tinubu says.
He also revealed that four attack helicopters would arrive in the country from the United States soon.
Tinubu explains that plans for community and state policing are progressing and will become a reality once the National Assembly completes the necessary legislative processes.
“Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf,” he says, adding that Nigeria’s order of four attack helicopters from the United States will take time to be delivered. “We have approached Turkey for assistance,” the president adds, signalling diversification of Nigeria’s international security partnerships.
However, the strikes spark political reactions. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) criticises the government for not announcing the operation before former US President Donald Trump publicised it. “The Federal Government should have been the first to brief Nigerians,” PDP spokesman Ini Ememobong says.
Islamic cleric Sheikh Abubakar Gumi also urges Nigeria to halt military cooperation with the US, warning that foreign intervention could worsen insecurity. He instead calls for support from what he describes as “neutral” countries, including Turkey, China and Pakistan.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 