Security agencies in northeastern Nigeria have intensified protective measures across Borno State ahead of the official visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as authorities seek to guarantee public safety and ensure an uninterrupted presidential itinerary.
The Borno State Police Command, the state-level arm of the Nigeria Police Force responsible for internal security and law enforcement in Borno State, confirmed that a broad range of operational units had been deployed in anticipation of the President’s arrival in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria. The state has remained strategically sensitive due to its prolonged exposure to insurgency-related security challenges.
In an official statement issued on Saturday, December 20, 2025, the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Nahum Daso, disclosed that the security arrangements included conventional police officers, specialized tactical teams, surveillance squads, crowd control personnel, and operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit.
“The Borno State Police Command has deployed adequate security arrangements ahead of the visit of the President to Borno State scheduled for today 20th December, 2025,” the statement said.
It further explained that the Commissioner of Police in Borno State, Naziru Abdulmajid, had personally overseen the establishment of a layered security framework to guarantee what he described as a “safe, secure, and hitch free visit.”
“The state Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, has drafted a robust security architecture comprising conventional police personnel, tactical teams, surveillance squads, crowed control and Explosive Ordnance Disposal units to ensure a safe, secure, and hitch free visit,” the statement added.
Okay News reports that, as part of the security strategy, residents and motorists in Maiduguri and surrounding areas were advised to expect temporary road closures and traffic diversions during specific intervals of the President’s movement.
“Members of the public are hereby informed that at intervals, certain roads, particularly the parallel route from Airport Road to Shehu Road, Maiduguri may experience temporary vehicular restrictions or diversions to facilitate the smooth movement of VIPs and ensure public safety,” the police spokesman stated.
The command appealed to the public for cooperation, urging residents to remain patient and comply fully with lawful instructions issued by officers deployed for the assignment.
“The Command reassures residents of its commitment to the protection of lives and property before, during, and after the presidential visit, and calls for the continued cooperation, vigilance, and support of the public,” he added.
The visit to Borno State marks the first leg of President Tinubu’s three-state official tour. According to a separate statement earlier issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President is also scheduled to visit Bauchi State in northeastern Nigeria and Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital in the southwest.
While in Borno State, President Tinubu is expected to commission several infrastructure and development projects executed by the Borno State Government under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The presidential itinerary also includes attendance at the wedding ceremony of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno State Governor and former Nigerian Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and his bride, Hadiza Kam Salem.
Following his engagements in Maiduguri, the President will proceed to Bauchi State to pay a condolence visit to the Bauchi State Government and the family of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, a renowned Islamic scholar, prominent Muslim cleric, and leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood in Nigeria, who died on Wednesday, November 27, 2025.
After the condolence visit, President Tinubu is expected to travel to Lagos State, where he will spend the end-of-year holiday period. His Lagos engagements include serving as the guest of honour at the annual Eyo Festival scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, a historic civic and ceremonial venue in Lagos.
“The festival at Tafawa Balewa Square will honour prominent figures, including President Tinubu’s mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, and former governors Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Chief Michael Otedola,” Onanuga stated.
