President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and authorized ed large-scale recruitment across the Armed Forces and the police in response to the country’s escalating security challenges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the President said the police and the army have been directed to recruit additional personnel immediately, including 20,000 new police officers, raising total approved recruitment this cycle to 50,000.
He also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities for police 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,” the President 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.”
Tinubu added that officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties would undergo accelerated training before being deployed to crisis-prone areas.
The President also authorised the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards and recruit more personnel to track terrorists hiding in forested regions.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he said.
Tinubu commended security agencies for securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and worshippers in Kebbi and Kwara States, while assuring continued efforts to rescue remaining captives in Niger State and elsewhere.
He paid tribute to troops who have lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, and urged the military to remain steadfast.
“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he said.
The President encouraged states seeking to establish their own police outfits to work with the National Assembly as it begins reviewing relevant laws. He also advised states to reconsider the location of boarding schools in remote areas and urged religious centres in vulnerable locations to consistently request police protection.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts to address farmer–herder conflicts, Tinubu called on herder groups to embrace ranching and comply with government directives.
He expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he warned.
Calling for unity and vigilance, the President urged Nigerians to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
“We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,”he concluded.
