President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to a surge in violent attacks across several parts of the country. He announced sweeping measures, including expanded recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police, the activation of forest guards, and tighter security across vulnerable communities.
In a statement personally issued by the President, he said:
“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.”
Tinubu disclosed that both the police and the military had been authorised to ramp up manpower. “The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000,” he said.
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He further directed the police to use National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training centres. While he had earlier approved upgrades to existing police training institutions, the President noted that the present security realities required an immediate expansion of capacity.
Tinubu also ordered that officers redeployed from VIP guard duties must undergo accelerated retraining to “debrief them and ensure they deliver more efficient police services when posted to security-challenged areas.”
On the intelligence front, the President gave the Department of State Services (DSS) full authority to activate the country’s forest security architecture.
“The DSS has my approval to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in our forests,” he said, adding that the agency had also been cleared to recruit more personnel.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” Tinubu vowed.
Describing the situation as “a national emergency,” the President said the federal government was responding with “more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.”
He appealed to citizens to support the efforts, saying, “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we must all get involved in securing our nation.”
President Tinubu commended security forces for recent breakthroughs, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers seized in Kwara State.
“We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage,” he assured.
To military personnel across the country, he delivered a firm charge, saying “I commend your courage and your sacrifice… I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.”
He added that his administration would support them fully to succeed.
Tinubu also pledged federal support to states with existing security outfits and urged the National Assembly to begin a legislative review to allow states that require state police to establish them.
He cautioned state governments against operating boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas, and advised religious institutions to “constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.”
The President reiterated his administration’s stance on resolving farmer-herder clashes, pointing to the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development.
He urged herder groups to abandon open grazing and embrace ranching, saying “I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward”.
Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States.
He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace”, he warned.
In a rallying call to Nigerians, the President urged unity and vigilance, saying “I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair… Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
