President Tinubu Says Türkiye Support Part of Nigeria’s Security Reset

In an official statement released by the Nigerian presidency, President Bola Tinubu said that new approaches to tackling insecurity will bring the desired results, while explicitly pointing to international cooperation — including support from Türkiye — as part of Nigeria’s evolving security strategy.

Speaking during a meeting with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Tinubu acknowledged the depth of Nigeria’s security challenges but urged patience, stressing that structural reforms and external partnerships are already under way.

“We Are Changing the Approach”

In the official statement, Tinubu framed the security crisis as one that cannot be resolved through quick fixes, but through sustained reform and upgraded capacity.

“We are changing the approach to tackling insecurity, and these new approaches will bring the desired results,” Tinubu said. “We are not where we want to be yet, but we are on the right path.”

He emphasized that insecurity remains a national concern requiring broad cooperation, including from religious leaders and local communities.

Türkiye Named as a Key Partner

Tinubu explicitly highlighted Türkiye while addressing concerns over delays in strengthening Nigeria’s military capabilities, noting that international procurement and cooperation take time.

“We ordered attack helicopters from the United States, and we are also expecting support from Türkiye,” the president said. “You don’t go to the market and buy helicopters like spare parts. These things take time.”

The remarks place Türkiye among Nigeria’s trusted defense partners at a time when Ankara has expanded its footprint across Africa through defense exports, training programs, and security cooperation agreements.

Security Reform Beyond Hardware

Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s response to insecurity is not limited to equipment purchases. He pointed to plans for state and community policing, pending legislative action, as a core element of the government’s strategy.

“We are working on state policing and community policing. Once the National Assembly completes the legal framework, we will move forward,” he said.

He added that community intelligence and cooperation are essential to long-term stability.

Responding to Public Anxiety

Addressing widespread public frustration over kidnappings and violence, Tinubu warned against despair and urged Nigerians to recognize recent developments, including the release of abducted schoolchildren in parts of the country.

“We should not be discouraged. Let us stay focused and continue to support the efforts being made,” he said.

Leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue with the government.

Why Türkiye Matters in the Picture

While the statement focused on domestic reform, Tinubu’s direct reference to Türkiye underscores Ankara’s growing role as a security and defense partner in Africa. Türkiye has increasingly positioned itself as a supplier of military equipment and training to countries seeking alternatives beyond traditional Western sources.

For Ankara, Nigeria’s public acknowledgment reflects deepening bilateral engagement in security affairs and highlights Türkiye’s expanding relevance in African defense cooperation.

A Strategic Message

The presidency’s statement seeks to balance reassurance with realism: progress will take time, reforms are under way, and international partnerships — including with Türkiye — are part of the solution.

As Nigeria continues to recalibrate its security architecture, Tinubu’s remarks signal that Ankara is now firmly embedded in Abuja’s strategic outlook, particularly in the effort to restore stability and public confidence.