President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the escalating wave of attacks across several states, directing the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force to immediately begin large-scale recruitment to strengthen national security.
In a statement released from the State House, the President authorised the police to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel—bringing the total number of new officers approved for recruitment to 50,000. He also granted approval for police authorities to use National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities, complementing the previously approved upgrades of existing training institutions.
Tinubu further ordered that police officers currently withdrawn from VIP protection duties undergo expedited retraining before deployment to volatile areas.
The President also authorised the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to clear out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests nationwide. The agency has also been directed to recruit additional personnel to secure the nation’s forested regions.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” Tinubu said. He called on Nigerians to support ongoing security efforts, emphasising that “the times require all hands on deck.”
Tinubu commended the military, police, and intelligence agencies for the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and pledged sustained operations to free remaining hostages, including students kidnapped in Niger State.
Addressing the Armed Forces, he praised their courage while issuing a stern directive: “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you.”
The President expressed readiness to support state-established security outfits and urged the National Assembly to commence legislative work to enable states that desire it to establish state police.
He also advised states to avoid siting boarding schools in remote, unsecured locations and urged religious centres in vulnerable areas to seek security protection during worship.
Tinubu reiterated that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development was established to resolve herder–farmer conflicts. He appealed to herders to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
The President 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.
Warning those intent on destabilising the country, Tinubu said: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.”
He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies. “We are in this fight together,” he said. “And together we shall win.”