President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating security threats, announcing sweeping measures to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and increase personnel deployment across the country.
In a national address on Wednesday, President Tinubu authorised the police and the Nigerian Army to embark on additional recruitment drives.
The Nigeria Police Force will recruit 20,000 new officers, raising its total number of fresh intakes to 50,000.
The president also approved the immediate use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities to fast-track the recruitment process.
Officers withdrawn from VIP security duties are to undergo accelerated training and be redeployed to areas experiencing heightened insecurity.
Tinubu directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests, while also authorising the recruitment of more personnel to secure vulnerable forest areas.
Calling the situation a “national emergency,” the president said the government was deploying more personnel, especially to security hotspots, and urged citizens to actively support efforts to safeguard the nation.
President Tinubu commended security agencies for the successful rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State.
He assured Nigerians that ongoing efforts would continue until the remaining abducted students in Niger State and others held captive nationwide are freed.
The president charged the armed forces to remain resolute and uphold discipline, warning that there must be “no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” as Nigerians depend on their courage and professionalism.
Tinubu also reaffirmed the administration’s support for state-owned security outfits and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to allow interested states to establish state police.
He urged state governments to avoid siting boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security and advised religious institutions to work closely with security agencies, especially in vulnerable locations.
Addressing farmer-herder conflicts, the president reiterated the government’s commitment to the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development, urging herders to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
President Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He warned that the government’s restraint must not be mistaken for weakness, affirming the administration’s resolve to restore peace nationwide.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, emphasising unity and collective action as key to overcoming the nation’s security challenges.
“Together we shall win,” he assured.
