NIGERIA: Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment Into Army, Police

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday declared a nationwide security emergency and directed Nigeria’s security agencies to immediately expand their manpower in response to persistent attacks across several states.

In a State House statement announcing the directive, the President said the security challenges confronting the country required urgent and decisive action.

He said: “In view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.”

Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising its total recruitment figure to 50,000. The President explained that police authorities have also been empowered to use National Youth Service Corps camps as temporary training depots to accommodate the expanded intake.

He added that officers being withdrawn from VIP protection duties would undergo rapid retraining to improve their operational readiness before deployment to high-risk areas.

Tinubu also approved the Department of State Services to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to identify and dislodge terrorists and bandits hiding in Nigeria’s forests.

The agency, he said, has also been authorised to recruit more personnel to strengthen forest security.

“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he warned.

Describing the declaration as a necessary response to the gravity of the moment, the President said the government was putting more boots on the ground, particularly in communities facing repeated attacks.

According to him: “This is a national emergency, and the times require all hands on deck.” He urged citizens to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts.

Tinubu commended the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State, saying security agencies were working to secure the release of the remaining students of a Catholic school in Niger State and other Nigerians still in captivity.

He also encouraged the military to remain steadfast, saying, “This is a challenging moment for our nation. I charge you to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.”

The President expressed support for states that have established local security outfits and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing existing laws to enable states that require state police to create them.

He advised state governments to reconsider operating boarding schools in remote locations without adequate security and urged religious institutions in vulnerable areas to work closely with security agencies when organising gatherings.

Tinubu highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a major step toward ending clashes between herders and farmers. He urged herder associations to embrace ranching, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons, noting that the Federal Government, working with the states, would ensure a lasting solution.

He concluded by extending sympathy to families affected by recent attacks across the country and reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding every Nigerian life.