Tinubu declares nationwide security emergency, orders armed forces to recruit more personnel
President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures that include the largest police and military recruitment expansion in years.
Amid rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorist attacks, Tinubu announced Wednesday that the country is now in a state of security emergency. The declaration came through a statement personally signed by the President.
As part of the directive, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force are to commence additional recruitment to boost national security. The President approved the intake of 20,000 new police officers, bringing the ongoing recruitment figure to 50,000. The Nigerian Army has also been cleared for an expanded enlistment to reinforce troops currently operating in volatile zones.
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To accelerate training, the President has permitted the police to use NYSC camps as temporary recruitment depots pending the completion and upgrade of formal training facilities nationwide.
Police officers recently recalled from VIP protection duties will undergo refresher training ahead of their redeployment to high-risk communities. The Department of State Services (DSS) has also been instructed to deploy trained forest guards to combat terrorists and bandits hiding in forests, with fresh recruitment set to focus specifically on forest operations.
“This is a national emergency,” Tinubu declared. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
The President commended security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara, assuring that ongoing operations will continue until all kidnapped victims—including students still held in Niger State—are safely returned.
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Tinubu further asked the National Assembly to initiate a review of legal provisions to enable states that desire state police to establish one. He urged governors to reassess boarding school operations in insecure areas and encouraged worship centres in vulnerable communities to maintain strict security arrangements.
He pledged federal support for states that have set up local security outfits and linked the newly created Ministry of Livestock to long-term solutions for herder–farmer conflicts. Herders were urged to adopt ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
Tinubu also expressed sympathy to citizens affected by attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and honoured fallen military officers including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Reassuring Nigerians of the administration’s commitment, he said:
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“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe.”
He called for unity, vigilance, and cooperation with security agencies, urging citizens to stand together in defence of the nation.
“Together we shall win,” he concluded.
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