President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a National Security Emergency, unveiling far-reaching measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence and internal security systems amid escalating cases of terrorism, kidnapping, and communal violence across the country.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the President authorised urgent additional recruitment across the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force, describing the current security situation as “unacceptable and requiring extraordinary action.”
The President approved a significant boost to police manpower, with the Nigerian Police Force set to recruit an extra 20,000 officers, bringing the total ongoing recruitment target to 50,000. To fast-track training, NYSC camps nationwide will be used as temporary police training depots.
Officers currently deployed for VIP protection are to undergo immediate retraining and be reassigned to critical security theatres across the country.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has also been instructed to deploy all trained forest guards and commence fresh recruitment to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across states.
President Tinubu commended security agencies for recent breakthroughs, including the rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, assuring that operations continue to free all remaining hostages.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s support for local security initiatives, the President pledged full backing for state security outfits. He further urged the National Assembly to expedite amendments allowing states that are willing to establish state police.
He called on state governments to review boarding school locations, especially those in remote or high-risk areas, and advised religious centres to ensure consistent security arrangements.
The President restated his administration’s commitment to ending farmer–herder clashes through the newly created Ministry of Livestock, urging herders to embrace ranching, discontinue open grazing, and surrender illegal firearms.
President Tinubu paid tribute to security personnel who recently lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, and extended condolences to affected families in several states impacted by attacks.
He warned that the government’s restraint must not be mistaken for weakness, vowing decisive, coordinated, and sustained action against all criminal elements.
The President called for unity and public cooperation, declaring that Nigerians must stand together in the fight against insecurity, adding: “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
