President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures to counter rising violent attacks across Nigeria. The announcement includes massive recruitment drives for both the police and military.
Under the directive, the Nigeria Police Force will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total ongoing recruitment to 50,000 personnel. The Nigerian Army is also authorized to expand enlistment to reinforce troops in high-risk areas. To accelerate training, NYSC camps will temporarily serve as police training facilities.
Tinubu also ordered reorientation courses for police withdrawn from VIP duties before redeployment to vulnerable communities. The Department of State Services (DSS) will deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits, with approval to recruit additional personnel for forest security.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” Tinubu said, promising no hiding places for agents of evil. He commended recent security successes, including the rescue of 24 Kebbi schoolgirls and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State. Operations continue to free students still held hostage.
To strengthen national security further, Tinubu urged the National Assembly to review the legal framework for state police, advised governors to rethink unprotected remote schools, and encouraged places of worship in vulnerable areas to seek security support.
The President also highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve herder–farmer conflicts, including the promotion of ranching and surrender of illegal firearms. He extended condolences to victims of recent attacks and paid tribute to fallen security personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Tinubu reassured Nigerians of the government’s resolve: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness… Together we shall win.”