President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national security emergency, directing an immediate large-scale recruitment drive across Nigeria’s security agencies to tackle rising threats across the country.
In a State House statement issued on Wednesday, the President authorised the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising the total new intake to 50,000 officers. He also approved expanded recruitment for the Nigerian Army as part of efforts to strengthen frontline operations nationwide.
The President further granted approval for the police to utilise National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps as temporary training facilities, following earlier directives to upgrade police training institutions. Officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties are to undergo accelerated retraining before deployment to security-challenged areas.
Tinubu also empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to flush out criminals hiding in forests, and to recruit more personnel to reinforce operations. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he said.
The President described the situation as a national emergency, urged citizens to support security agencies and stay vigilant. “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation,” he said.
Tinubu commended the coordinated efforts of security forces in securing the release of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, while assuring ongoing efforts to rescue remaining abducted students in Niger State and other victims nationwide.
Addressing members of the Armed Forces, he urged them to remain resolute and uphold discipline and integrity in all operations. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he charged.
The President also announced federal support for states that have created security outfits, and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to allow interested states to establish state police.
On education and worship centres, Tinubu cautioned states against siting boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas and advised mosques and churches in vulnerable locations to seek regular police protection.
He reaffirmed that the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development is aimed at ending deadly clashes between farmers and herders. He urged herder associations to embrace ranching, abandon open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
President Tinubu sympathised with 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 government restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, he assured Nigerians of the administration’s determination to secure the country. “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” the President said.
