President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency in response to rising insecurity across several states, authorising large-scale recruitment into the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
In a national address on Wednesday, the President announced the approval for the police to recruit an additional 20,000 officers—bringing the ongoing recruitment drive to 50,000 personnel. He also approved the Nigerian Army to expand its manpower to strengthen operations in volatile regions.
Tinubu further directed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps be utilised as temporary police training facilities, following earlier approvals to upgrade police training schools nationwide. Officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties, he said, will undergo rapid retraining before deployment to frontline areas.
The President also authorised the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy its trained forest guards to combat terrorists and armed groups operating in forests nationwide. The agency has also been cleared to recruit additional personnel.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” Tinubu said. “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”
Tinubu commended security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rescuing the remaining abducted students in Niger State and other citizens still in captivity.
Addressing the Armed Forces, Tinubu praised their resilience and sacrifice, urging them to remain disciplined and uncompromising in ongoing military operations. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he said.
The President also pledged federal support for state governments that have established security outfits to complement national efforts. He called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing the legal framework that would enable states to establish state police where necessary.
Tinubu advised state governments to reconsider siting boarding schools in isolated areas without adequate security and urged religious institutions in vulnerable regions to work closely with security agencies during gatherings.
He reiterated that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development was designed to address herder–farmer clashes and encouraged herder associations to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
The President offered condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen military personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Warning attackers and armed groups not to misconstrue government restraint as weakness, Tinubu said his administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and restoring stability. He urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies.
“Together we shall win,” he said as he concluded the address.
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