President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures to reinforce Nigeria’s overstretched security architecture amid escalating attacks across the country.
In a statement made available to The News Chronicle, Tinubu authorised the police and the military to embark on large-scale recruitment drives.
The statement noted that the Nigeria Police Force will enlist 20,000 additional officers, raising its current recruitment to 50,000 personnel.
President Tinubu also approved the immediate use of NYSC orientation camps as temporary police training centres, while officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties are to undergo accelerated retraining before deployment to high-risk regions.
He further directed the Department of State Services to deploy all already-trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in the nation’s forests. The DSS, he added, has the green light to recruit more personnel to secure forest belts nationwide.
“This is a national emergency,” Tinubu said. “We are responding by putting more boots on the ground. The times require all hands on deck.”
Tinubu commended the security forces for the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, assuring that operations will continue until the remaining abducted students in Niger State and other victims are freed.
He charged the Armed Forces to remain resolute and uphold discipline, warning that the government will not tolerate “compromise, collusion, or negligence” in ongoing operations.
As part of broader reforms, Tinubu pledged federal support for states operating complementary security outfits and called on the National Assembly to commence the legislative process to allow states that desire state police to formally establish them.
He urged state governments to reassess the location of boarding schools in remote areas and advised worship centres to maintain close security coordination, especially in vulnerable regions.
On the persistent herder–farmer conflict, the President appealed to herders to embrace the newly created Livestock Ministry, end open grazing, and surrender illegal arms, insisting that ranching is now “the only sustainable path forward.”
Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and paid tribute to fallen troops, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“To those who want to test our resolve, do not mistake restraint for weakness,” he warned. “This administration has the courage and determination to keep our nation safe.”
He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, stressing that unity is crucial in the fight against insecurity.
“Report suspicious activities. Stand firm. Together, we shall win,” the President said.
