Following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency and approval for additional recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police, many Nigerians have welcomed the move, citing rising kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and inadequate security personnel.
Nigeria’s military, one of Africa’s largest, has faced high casualties amid declining active personnel, while the Nigerian Police Force has an estimated 371,800 officers for a population of over 236 million, according to a November 2025 EU Asylum Agency report.
Despite widespread approval, security experts and concerned citizens have raised alarms about potential risks. They warn that criminals could exploit the mass recruitment to infiltrate security agencies, undermining the exercise’s purpose.
Retired senior security officer Bem Hembafan noted that today’s youth are less inclined to join the forces due to high casualty rates and the lure of “soft life” careers in social media and IT. He cautioned that the recruitment might attract individuals with questionable intentions.
Security expert Lekan Jackson Ojo emphasized that the success of the recruitment depends on its implementation, urging measures to prevent political influence and ensure only qualified, patriotic candidates are enlisted.
Former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase echoed the concerns, citing past instances where suspected Boko Haram members and other criminals were found on recruitment lists for the Army and Police. Wase, whose family members have been victims of terrorist attacks, stressed that thorough vetting is crucial to safeguard national security.
Serving Senator Solomon Bob added that the government should prioritize law enforcement over negotiations with criminals while expanding security personnel. Bolaji Ayorinde, an Abuja-based security consultant, warned that recruiting unqualified or criminal elements could endanger both the public and security officers.
Experts collectively urge the Federal Government to prioritize thoroughness, integrity, and national security over political, ethnic, or personal interests during the mass recruitment, warning that lapses could compromise the country’s safety.
