President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced a nationwide security emergency and directed Nigeria’s security agencies to embark on large-scale recruitment to address the escalating insecurity across the country.
According to a statement released by the State House, the president ordered the Nigerian Police Force to enlist 20,000 new officers, raising the total number of planned recruits to 50,000.
He also gave approval for National Youth Service Corps camps to serve as temporary training centres to fast-track the process.
The statement read, “Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.
“By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.
“Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.
“The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.”
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Tinubu also empowered the Department of State Services to deploy trained forest guards to dislodge terrorists and bandits hiding in forested areas, and he mandated additional recruitment to reinforce their operations.
“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation,” he added.
The president commended security operatives for the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, promising continued efforts to secure students still held hostage in Niger State. He also honoured military officers who recently lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Tinubu urged the National Assembly to consider amendments that would allow states to establish their own police forces where necessary. He called on local governments, religious bodies, and institutions to step up their security preparedness.
He highlighted the government’s livestock initiative as part of efforts to curb farmer–herder conflicts, advising herders to embrace ranching, abandon open grazing, and surrender illegal arms.
“States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.
“Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers. I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all,” he said.
Tinubu urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, assuring that his administration remains committed to restoring peace across the nation.
“Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.
“May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe,” the statement concluded.
