President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures aimed at tackling escalating attacks across several states and strengthening Nigeria’s overstretched security apparatus.
In a statement, the president ordered an unprecedented recruitment drive across the armed forces and security agencies, authorizing the Nigeria Police Force to immediately add 20,000 new officers, bringing total new intakes under his administration to 50,000.
“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” Tinubu said.
“The police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers.”
He announced that police authorities are now permitted to convert National Youth Service Corps camps into training depots to fast-track the exercise.
He said officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties are also to undergo rapid retraining before redeployment to frontline areas.
Tinubu further empowered the Department of State Services to deploy all trained forest guards and immediately recruit more personnel to secure forests long used as hideouts by terrorists and armed bandits.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he declared.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” he added.
The President commended the coordinated security operation that led to the rescue of 24 kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State.
He assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to free remaining hostages, including students kidnapped from the Catholic School in Niger State.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and sacrifice,” he said, adding that “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you.”
Warning criminal groups and insurgents against mistaking the government’s patience for weakness, Tinubu stated: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe.”
Tinubu also pledged federal support for states operating local security outfits and urged the National Assembly to review the constitution to allow states that desire it to establish their own police forces.
He advised states to reassess the location of boarding schools in remote areas and urged religious institutions in vulnerable zones to seek enhanced police protection.
Reaffirming his commitment to resolving the persistent clashes between herders and farmers, the President referenced the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development.
“I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.”
Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States, paying tribute to soldiers who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies, saying: “I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let’s stand together to defend our freedom and values. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
The President prayed for the nation: “May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.”
