President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces to recruit additional personnel to address the country’s rising insecurity.
In a statement from the Statehouse, the president instructed the police to recruit 20,000 new officers, bringing the total planned intake to 50,000. He also authorised the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities for the recruits.
“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 said. “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 NYSC camps as training depots. Officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of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.”
The president further empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits operating in Nigeria’s forests, while calling for additional recruitment to strengthen these 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,” Tinubu said.
He commended security agencies for their efforts in recent rescue operations, including the freeing of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and pledged continued efforts to rescue students still held hostage in Niger State. Tinubu also honoured the bravery of soldiers who have lost their lives in operations, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
The president called on the National Assembly to review laws to enable states to establish state police where necessary, and urged local authorities and religious institutions to strengthen security measures.
He also highlighted initiatives under the Livestock Ministry aimed at ending farmer-herder conflicts, urging herders to cease open grazing, surrender illegal weapons, and adopt ranching.
“States should reconsider establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should consistently seek police and other security protection when gathering for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas. Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address 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 added.
Finally, Tinubu reassured Nigerians not to succumb to fear, emphasising the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens, promoting national unity, and supporting security forces.
“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.
