The Federal Government has approved the recruitment of over 94,000 new personnel across Nigeria’s security architecture as part of a nationwide push to curb rising insecurity.
Under the plan, the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will enlist 50,000 police constables. The recruitment portal will be open to qualified Nigerians from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026, according to a statement by the PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu.
The statement noted that applicants for the General Duty cadre must possess GCE O’Level or SSCE/NECO with at least five credits, including English and Mathematics, while specialists must show trade experience and relevant certifications. All applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth.
Beyond the police, the Nigerian Army is expected to recruit about 14,000 soldiers, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for expanded security manpower. The Navy and Air Force are also set to increase their intake.
Earlier in June, the Ministry of Interior announced a separate recruitment of 30,000 personnel into the paramilitary services, a process now being fast-tracked.
The mass recruitment drive follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency on November 26, 2025.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang welcomed the move, saying it comes at a critical time when violent attacks are escalating across several parts of the country. He renewed his call for state police, stressing that Nigeria must strengthen manpower, equipment, and localised security structures to effectively protect communities.
Retired military officers also weighed in. Brig.-Gen. Peter Aro (retd.) described the 94,000-personnel plan as “a strong start,” but warned that recruitment without strict vetting could worsen existing problems in the security system. He argued that while 50,000 new police officers sound impressive, Nigeria remains significantly under-policed by global standards and must prioritise quality over mere numbers.
Similarly, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) said the initiative is justified given Nigeria’s population and vast ungoverned spaces, but insisted that only competent and committed individuals must be recruited.
Legal and community security experts echoed these concerns. Chairman of the NBA Benin Zone, Adebanjo Ebhoade, called for an independent, merit-based recruitment process free from political interference. Segun Ebenezer of the Oyo State Community Policing Advisory Committee added that transparent recruitment and thorough training were essential to avoid repeating past mistakes.
In Ondo State, Attorney-General Kayode Ajulo (SAN) reaffirmed his push for state police, arguing that Nigeria’s diverse regional security challenges demand decentralised solutions. He said President Tinubu’s recent call for legislative review was “a pragmatic and overdue step.”
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also charged the new Commander of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Gen. Ahmed Balogun, to intensify efforts to secure the state. He announced ongoing procurement of multifunctional drones and pledged strong government support for the military.
In Oyo State, the NBA’s Ibadan Branch urged Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently strengthen the state’s security architecture after recent kidnapping incidents heightened public anxiety.
The nationwide reaction underscores both the urgency of Nigeria’s security crisis and the widespread expectation that the new 94,000-man workforce must be backed by professionalism, modern training, equipment, and accountability if the country is to see real change.
ADVERTISEMENTS
