President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating security challenges across the country. The President announced immediate large-scale recruitment into the Armed Forces, police, and other security agencies as part of efforts to strengthen national security.
Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force is authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total number of new recruits this year to 50,000. The President also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities, complementing the ongoing upgrades of police training institutions nationwide.
Officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo accelerated retraining before being deployed to high-risk areas.
The President further authorised the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to combat terrorists and bandits operating within the nation’s forests. The DSS is also expected to recruit more personnel to reinforce the operation.
Calling the situation a “national emergency,” President Tinubu urged Nigerians to support ongoing security efforts and remain vigilant. He commended security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, assuring that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of abducted students in Niger State and other victims still in captivity.
Tinubu also directed the Armed Forces to intensify operations across all conflict zones, stressing the need for discipline, integrity, and zero tolerance for collusion or negligence. He extended condolences to 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.
The President reiterated support for state-backed security outfits and urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would enable states wanting their own police forces to establish them.
He advised state governments to reconsider placing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security and called on religious institutions to strengthen safety measures during worship.
Addressing longstanding clashes between farmers and herders, President Tinubu encouraged herder associations to embrace ranching and cooperate with the Federal Government through the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development. He urged them to end open grazing and surrender illegal firearms.
President Tinubu concluded by urging citizens not to succumb to fear, emphasizing unity in confronting national security threats.
Bello Wakili
