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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a national security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures that include major recruitment drives across the Armed Forces and Police as Nigeria confronts escalating security threats.
In a national statement issued from the State House, the President authorised the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police personnel, raising the number approved for the year to 50,000 officers. He also directed the Nigerian Army to embark on fresh recruitment to boost manpower across key theatres of operation.
To accelerate police training, Tinubu approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots, in addition to previously approved upgrades of police colleges nationwide. Police officers currently withdrawn from VIP protection duties will also undergo rapid retraining before deployment to volatile areas.
The President further empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests, while also recruiting additional personnel to man forested areas across the country.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” Tinubu said. “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”
He commended security agencies for securing the recent release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State, assuring that rescue efforts for kidnapped students and other victims still in captivity would continue.
Addressing the Armed Forces, the President praised the courage of troops and urged them to remain resolute. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are Counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.”
Tinubu also called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to enable states that require state police to formally establish them. He advised state governments to strengthen security around boarding schools and urged religious institutions in vulnerable communities to maintain close collaboration with security agencies.
On the persistent clashes between herders and farmers, the President restated that the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was aimed at providing lasting solutions. He appealed to herder associations to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
President Tinubu sympathised with families of victims of recent attacks across Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen military personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was killed in the line of duty.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he cautioned. “This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.”
Urging citizens to remain vigilant, Tinubu called for unity and collective resolve in confronting security challenges. “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said.
The President closed with prayers for the nation and for the safety of the Armed Forces
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