President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, authorising sweeping measures to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture amid rising terrorist and bandit attacks across several states.
In a State House statement personally signed by the President, he directed the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force to commence immediate recruitment to expand their operational strength.
Police to Recruit 20,000 More Officers; NYSC Camps Approved as Training Depots
President Tinubu announced that the police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising the ongoing recruitment target to 50,000 personnel nationwide.
To accelerate the process, he authorised the police to temporarily convert NYSC Orientation Camps into training depots, following the earlier approval for upgrades of police training facilities.
He also directed that police officers withdrawn from VIP escort duties be sent for crash retraining before being reassigned to high-risk areas across the country.
Army, DSS, Forest Guards to Flush Out Terrorists
The President gave fresh marching orders to the Directorate of State Services (DSS), directing the immediate deployment of all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists, bandits and armed militias hiding in the nation’s forests.
He also instructed the DSS to recruit additional personnel for forest operations, insisting that “there will be no hiding place for agents of evil.”
“This is a National Emergency” — Tinubu
Addressing Nigerians, the President said the current security situation demands urgent and extraordinary measures.
“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground. The times require all hands on deck.”
He urged citizens to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activity, especially in vulnerable rural communities.
Commends Security Agencies for Recent Rescues
President Tinubu praised the coordinated efforts of the security services in securing the release of:
24 schoolgirls in Kebbi, and
38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State.
He assured the nation that operations are ongoing to rescue remaining abducted students in Niger State and others still in captivity.
Calls for State Police, Stronger Community Protection
The President urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to allow states that wish to establish state police to do so.
He also warned state governments against operating boarding schools in isolated areas without adequate security, and advised mosques and churches in vulnerable regions to ensure consistent police presence during gatherings.
Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Farmer–Herder Conflicts
Reiterating his administration’s push for modern livestock management, Tinubu called on herders to embrace the newly created Livestock Ministry, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.
“Ranching,” he said, “is now the only path to sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.”
Condolences to Victims and Fallen Soldiers
President Tinubu extended condolences 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 Testing Our Resolve Will Fail”
The President vowed that the Federal Government will not bend under pressure from terrorists.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. We will keep Nigeria safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.”
He called on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and united as the security forces intensify nationwide operations.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
