President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling an aggressive mobilisation plan that will significantly expand Nigeria’s security manpower and intensify operations against terrorists and bandits across the country.
In a national broadcast, the President said the deteriorating security climate demanded immediate and extraordinary action, announcing fresh recruitment into the Armed Forces as well as a major boost to police personnel. “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,” he said.
The President authorised the police and army to embark on immediate recruitment, revealing that the Nigeria Police Force would be admitting 20,000 additional officers, raising its intake to 50,000. He added that previously approved upgrades to police training facilities would now be complemented by the use of NYSC camps as temporary depots to speed up training.
Tinubu also ordered officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties to undergo crash courses for redeployment to frontline areas. He said the aim was to “deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.”
At the same time, the President empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy its trained forest guards and recruit more operatives to comb forests nationwide. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he declared.
Addressing Nigerians directly, Tinubu underscored the gravity of the moment. “My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck,” he said.
He commended security agencies for recent breakthroughs, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and worshippers in Kwara. He assured that efforts to free remaining hostages — including students in Niger State — would continue unabated.
The President lauded the Armed Forces, urging discipline, focus and zero tolerance for compromise. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he charged.
Tinubu further pledged federal support for states that have established security outfits to protect their residents, and urged the National Assembly to begin legislative work to enable states interested in state police to create them.
He also warned states to avoid establishing boarding schools in remote, unsecured locations and advised mosques and churches in vulnerable areas to request police presence during gatherings. On the herder-farmer conflict, he called on herder groups to embrace ranching, take advantage of the new Livestock Ministry and surrender illegal arms.
The President extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks across Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara, honouring fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. He vowed that Nigeria’s restraint must not be mistaken for weakness.
