Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on properly equipping and motivating security personnel already in service rather than recruiting an additional 20,000 police officers.
Speaking on Thursday at the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance in Abuja, the Cardinal stressed that Nigeria cannot afford further delays in addressing its worsening security crisis.
He called for stronger unity between Christians and Muslims, noting that both communities face the same threats.
“Right now in Nigeria, we have to build bridges so that all of us, Christians and Muslims, can jointly face our common enemy… those who are killing us,” he said.
According to him, the country already has “wonderful soldiers and police,” but their effectiveness is hindered by poor equipment and inadequate welfare.
“I’m not even sure we need 20,000 more policemen. I believe the ones we have right now are enough. Arm them well, treat them well, and they will do their job,” he added.
Cardinal Onaiyekan also highlighted rising internal divisions in Nigeria despite global efforts toward interfaith peace and cooperation.
President Tinubu had recently announced plans to boost the police force by recruiting 20,000 new officers.
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