Tinubu Declares National Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment into Army, Police
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Tinubu Declares National Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment into Army, Police
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency and directed an urgent expansion of Nigeria’s security architecture through large-scale recruitment into the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
In a State House statement issued in Abuja, the President said the escalating security threats across several states necessitated decisive action, stressing that the administration would deploy “more boots on the ground” to stabilise affected communities and restore public confidence.
Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, bringing total new intakes to 50,000.
The President also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities to fast-track the process.
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He further ordered that police officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties undergo immediate crash retraining to prepare them for deployment to high-risk areas.
The military is also expected to embark on expanded recruitment as part of a broader national security response.
President Tinubu disclosed that the Department of State Services (DSS) had been authorised to deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests nationwide.
He also approved additional recruitment for the service to strengthen its presence in remote enclaves where insurgents operate.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding accordingly,” the President said. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
Tinubu commended security agencies for the successful rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State, assuring Nigerians that efforts would be sustained to free remaining hostages, including students abducted in Niger State.
Addressing the Armed Forces, the President praised their courage amid rising challenges and charged them to uphold the highest levels of discipline and integrity.
“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he said, promising continued federal support.
He also announced readiness to strengthen state-backed security outfits and urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to allow states that desire it to establish their own police formations.
On policy reforms, President Tinubu urged states to reconsider establishing boarding schools in insecure remote locations and advised religious centres in vulnerable areas to seek enhanced police protection.
Speaking on farmer-herder conflicts, Tinubu emphasised that the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was central to ending clashes, urging herder associations to embrace ranching and surrender illegal weapons.
The President expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara states, paying tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he warned.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and preserving national unity.
“We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said.
