President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to rising insecurity across the country and directed the police, army and other security agencies to immediately expand their personnel strength.
In a statement issued from the State House, the President authorised the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing its current recruitment cycle to 50,000. He also approved fresh recruitment into the Nigerian Army to boost ongoing operations nationwide.
Tinubu said police authorities have been granted permission to use National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots to fast-track the intake of new personnel. Officers being withdrawn from VIP protection duties are also to undergo crash training before deployment to high-risk areas.
The President further ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy already-trained forest guards to combat terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across the country. The agency, he added, has also been authorised to recruit additional personnel.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” he said. “The times require all hands on deck.”
Tinubu commended security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State, assuring that efforts will continue to free remaining hostages, including students kidnapped in Niger State.
He urged the military to remain resolute, disciplined and uncompromising in ongoing operations. “There must be no compromise, no collusion and no negligence,” he warned.
The President also reiterated his administration’s support for state-level security outfits and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
On the frequent attacks on rural schools and places of worship, Tinubu advised states to reconsider locating boarding schools in isolated areas and urged religious centres to seek police protection during congregational activities, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Speaking on the perennial farmer–herder conflict, the President appealed to herder associations to embrace ranching, take advantage of the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development and surrender illegal weapons. “Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said.
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.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he said, assuring Nigerians that his administration is determined to keep the country safe.
He urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies. “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” the President said.
