President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling far-reaching measures to tackle the escalating wave of terrorism, banditry, and violent crime across the country. The President’s address—delivered amid rising public concern—marked one of the most sweeping security directives of his administration.
Tinubu announced fresh approval for large-scale recruitment into the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force as part of a broader strategy to reinforce frontline operations.
The police, he said, have been directed to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising the current intake to 50,000, while the military has also been cleared to embark on immediate recruitment.
“In view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency,” the President said, stressing the need for urgent reinforcement of national security assets. He added that recently upgraded police training facilities would be supplemented by National Youth Service Corps camps, which are now authorized to serve as temporary training depots to fast-track the expansion.
The President also confirmed that officers previously withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo accelerated retraining before being redeployed to communities most affected by insecurity. “They will be debriefed and prepared to deliver more efficient services,” he noted, emphasizing the shift of manpower to areas under persistent threat.
Tinubu further empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards with an immediate mandate to flush out criminals operating from forest hideouts nationwide.
He also directed the agency to recruit additional personnel to strengthen surveillance and forest security. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he declared.
While commending security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, the President restated his administration’s commitment to securing the release of remaining hostages, including the abducted students of the Catholic school in Niger State. He praised the bravery of the Armed Forces and paid tribute to fallen officers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was killed in combat.
Tinubu urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing relevant laws to allow states seeking to establish state police to do so. He pledged federal support for states already operating local security outfits to enhance community protection.
On education and worship centres, the President advised states to reconsider the siting of boarding schools in remote or poorly secured locations. He also urged churches and mosques in vulnerable areas to maintain close coordination with security agencies.
Addressing persistent clashes between herders and farmers, Tinubu reiterated that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development is designed to end the cycle of violence.
He called on herder groups to embrace ranching, abandon open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons, stressing that sustainable livestock management is vital to national stability.
The President expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, assuring citizens that the government has both the will and the capacity to defend the nation. “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he warned.
Tinubu appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative, urging the public to report suspicious activities and support ongoing security operations. “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said.
He concluded with a call for unity and resilience: “Let us stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values.”
