Tinubu Declares Security Emergency, Orders Mass Recruitment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures aimed at tackling the escalating wave of violence across several states. In a statement the President announced an immediate expansion of the country’s security architecture, including major recruitment drives across the Armed Forces, police and intelligence services.

Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, increasing ongoing recruitment to 50,000 personnel. The Nigerian Army is also expected to ramp up enlistment to reinforce operations in hot spots affected by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

Tinubu also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary police training depots to fast-track preparation for the new recruits. Officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo accelerated retraining before being redeployed to high risk regions.

“In view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency,” he said. “This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security challenged areas.”

The President further directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all forest guards already trained to flush out criminal groups operating from forest hideouts. The agency has also been cleared to recruit additional personnel to reinforce forest security operations.

Tinubu praised security agencies for their coordinated effort that recently led to the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State. He assured Nigerians that operations would continue until all victims still held in captivity including students abducted in Niger State are freed.

“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and sacrifice,” the President said. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you.”

In a far-reaching policy shift, Tinubu urged the National Assembly to consider amendments to security laws that would enable states willing to establish state police to do so. He also encouraged state governments to reassess the location and security of boarding schools, especially in isolated rural areas.

Mosques and churches, he added, should work closely with security agencies to ensure adequate protection during worship, particularly in vulnerable regions.

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On efforts to curb farmer herder conflicts, the President appealed to pastoralist groups to embrace ranching and utilise the newly created Livestock Ministry. He urged herders to end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons, stressing that modern ranching remained the sustainable path to resolving decades-long tension.

Tinubu also expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara states. He paid tribute to fallen troops, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was recently killed in active service.

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” the President warned. “This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe.”

The President called on citizens to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative, urging them to report suspicious activity and support ongoing national security efforts.

“We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said.