President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, approving massive recruitment into the police and armed forces, ordering the withdrawal of VIP police guards, and directing sweeping reforms to combat terrorism, banditry, and mass abductions
Tinubu Declares National Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment Across Military, Police
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, rolling out a far-reaching set of measures that include massive recruitment across the armed forces, a restructuring of police operations, and the immediate deployment of more security personnel nationwide.
Tinubu said rising attacks, mass abductions, and terror activities across several states had made it imperative to “deploy more boots on the ground” and overhaul Nigeria’s security response architecture.
Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, bringing the total number of new officers approved this year to 50,000. The President also ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties, insisting they must undergo crash retraining before being redeployed to frontline operations.
To fast-track training for the expanded force, Tinubu authorised the temporary use of NYSC camps as police training depots.
The President also granted immediate approval to the Nigerian Army for additional recruitment, describing it as part of a decisive national response to emerging security threats.
He directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists taking cover in Nigeria’s forests, while also ordering the recruitment of more personnel to reinforce the operation.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” Tinubu declared.
The President commended security agencies for the recent rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the 38 worshippers freed in Kwara, noting that the renewed offensive will prioritise the safe recovery of kidnapped victims still held in Niger and other parts of the country.
Tinubu warned security personnel against negligence or compromise, stressing that Nigerians expect results across all theatres of operation.
He called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing the law to allow states that require state police to establish them. He pledged federal support for states that have already created local security outfits and urged state governments to avoid locating boarding schools in isolated areas without adequate protection. He also encouraged mosques and churches in high-risk areas to consistently seek security cover for large gatherings.
Addressing herder–farmer conflicts, the President urged herder associations to align with the new Livestock Ministry’s framework, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons. He emphasised that ranching is the only sustainable path forward.
Both federal and state governments, he said, would work together to permanently resolve the long-running crisis.
Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by the latest attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara, paying tribute to fallen security personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. He warned that those testing the government’s resolve should not mistake restraint for weakness.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and united, stressing that defeating insecurity requires collective effort.
The President reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to protecting lives, safeguarding national unity, and ensuring peaceful coexistence across the country. Read More
