President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency as part of renewed efforts to curb rising attacks, kidnappings and terrorist activities across Nigeria.
Tinubu also directed the immediate recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen security operations nationwide.
“In view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” the President said in a personally signed statement. “The police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”
He noted that security personnel withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo accelerated training before deployment to high-risk areas.
The President added that he had earlier approved a nationwide upgrade of police training facilities and authorised the use of various National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training depots.
Tinubu also empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in Nigeria’s forests, while also directing the agency to recruit more personnel.
“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. As Nigerians, we must all get involved in securing our nation,” he said.
The President commended security agencies for the rescue of the 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing the release of the remaining students abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State and other Nigerians still in captivity.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation. Remain resolute, restore peace in all theatres of operation, and uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” he stated.
Tinubu also urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing Nigeria’s laws to allow states that require state police to establish them. He cautioned states against siting boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security, and advised religious institutions in vulnerable regions to seek police protection for large gatherings.
The President further reiterated his administration’s commitment to resolving herder-farmer conflicts. He called on herder associations to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons, stressing that the newly created Livestock Ministry will support sustainable livestock farming across the country.
Tinubu expressed sympathy 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.
“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,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies: “Report suspicious activities. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
Tinubu’s declaration comes amid heightened public anxiety following the killing of several people in recent attacks and the abduction of over 300 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, and St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Kebbi and Niger states.
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