Tinubu Seeks Turkey’s Help on Insecurity, Details Security Strategy to Christian Leaders

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that Nigeria has sought assistance from Turkey in addressing the country’s ongoing security crisis. He disclosed this during a meeting with Christian leaders, emphasizing the need for national unity and patience as his administration’s strategies take effect.

Tinubu stated that while the country faces significant challenges in its vast “ungoverned spaces,” the national mood remains peaceful. He called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to support government efforts, highlighting that advanced military equipment is costly and not immediately available.

The President noted that orders for attack helicopters from the United States are still pending and that legislative work on establishing community and state police is underway.

This outreach to Turkey follows recent joint military operations between Nigeria and the United States, which included airstrikes in the North-West targeting terrorists. The U.S. action was first announced by former President Donald Trump, a sequence of events criticized by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP argued the Nigerian government should have informed citizens first.

The strikes have also drawn criticism from prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, who urged an immediate end to military cooperation with the U.S., warning it could worsen insecurity. He advised the government to seek help from what he termed more “neutral” nations like China, Turkey, and Pakistan.