Tinubu Declares National Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment in Army, Police
By Ranmilowo Ojalumo -President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the country’s escalating security challenges and authorised large-scale recruitment into the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
In a national address, the President announced that the police and the army had been directed to recruit additional personnel. He said the police would recruit an extra 20,000 officers, increasing current recruitment to 50,000.
Tinubu said although he had earlier approved the upgrade of police training facilities nationwide, police authorities were now authorised to use National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training depots.
He also directed that officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to “debrief them and deliver more efficient police services” when deployed to security-challenged areas.
The President further granted the Department of State Services (DSS) approval to immediately deploy trained forest guards to clear terrorists and bandits hiding in forests. He authorised the agency to recruit additional personnel, insisting that “there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
Calling the situation a “national emergency,” Tinubu said government was responding by deploying more boots on the ground, particularly in areas experiencing heightened insecurity.
He urged Nigerians to support national security efforts and get involved in safeguarding their communities.
The President commended security agencies for their recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He assured that efforts would continue to rescue remaining abducted students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still held hostage.
Addressing the military, Tinubu praised their courage and sacrifice, charging them to remain resolute, restore peace across all theatres, and uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity.
He said “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” adding that his administration would provide full support to ensure their success.
He also pledged support for state governments that had established security outfits to protect their citizens. Tinubu urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
Commenting on recent attacks, he advised states to reconsider siting boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security and encouraged mosques and churches in vulnerable areas to continually request police presence when gathering for prayers.
Tinubu highlighted the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as part of efforts to address persistent clashes between herders and farmers. He urged herder associations to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons, saying the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, would work to permanently resolve the crisis.
The President condoled with families who lost loved ones in recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. He warned those testing the country’s resolve not to mistake restraint for weakness, insisting that his administration had the courage and determination to keep Nigeria safe.
Tinubu urged citizens not to succumb to fear or despair, but to stand united to defend national values and freedom. He called on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and report suspicious activities, assuring that government would continue to guarantee peaceful coexistence and preserve national unity.
“May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe,” the President said, signing off the address as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
