President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating attacks, kidnappings, and violent crimes across several states. The President also directed an immediate expansion of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the police, authorising large-scale recruitment to strengthen national security operations.
In a personally signed statement, President Tinubu said the growing threats posed by terrorists, bandits, and armed criminals had made decisive action unavoidable.
“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,” the President announced.
Tinubu added that he had earlier approved the upgrade of police training facilities nationwide. He further granted permission for the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as additional training depots, saying officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties would undergo accelerated retraining before being deployed to high-risk areas.
‘Flush Out Terrorists’
The President also ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy already-trained forest guards to clear out terrorists hiding in forests across the country. He directed the agency to recruit additional personnel to reinforce the operation, declaring that “there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” Tinubu said, calling on Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to secure the country.
Commends Security Agencies, Insists on Zero Tolerance for Negligence
Tinubu commended the security agencies for the successful rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State. He assured parents of the remaining abducted Catholic school students in Niger State that the government was working relentlessly to ensure their safe return.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” he said, adding that the government would provide every necessary support.
The President also pledged support for states that have established their own security outfits, saying they remain critical partners in combating terrorism and violent crime.
Calls for Legislative Action on State Police
President Tinubu urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing the legal framework to enable states that require their own police forces to establish them.
He warned state governments against siting boarding schools in isolated locations without adequate security, and urged religious institutions in vulnerable areas to maintain close coordination with security agencies.
Speaking on the long-standing herder–farmer conflict, Tinubu noted that the creation of the Livestock Ministry was designed to provide a structured solution. He encouraged herders to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
Condolences and Assurances
The President extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. He also paid tribute to military personnel who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he warned. “Let us stand together to defend our freedom and values.”
Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies as the country works through what he described as a defining moment in the fight against insecurity.
The declaration comes in the wake of devastating attacks, including the killing of at least five people in Kebbi and Kwara States, and the abduction of more than 300 students from schools in Kebbi and Niger States.
