President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating attacks across several states, directing large-scale recruitment into the Armed Forces, Police, and Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement personally signed by him, the President said the decision followed “emerging security situations” requiring urgent and decisive action. He authorised the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, bringing the total number of new intakes to 50,000, and approved the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as police training depots.
Tinubu further ordered the withdrawal of officers from VIP guard duties, directing that they undergo crash retraining before redeployment to security-challenged areas. He also empowered the DSS to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to dislodge terrorists and bandits hiding in forested regions, with approval to recruit additional operatives.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground… Protecting our nation requires all hands on deck,” the President said.
He commended security agencies for securing the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and worshippers in Kwara, assuring that efforts are ongoing to free remaining hostages, including students kidnapped in Niger State. Tinubu praised the military for its sacrifices, urging troops to remain resolute and uncompromising.
“There must be no collusion, no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed,” he stated.
Beyond federal action, Tinubu pledged support for state governments operating local security outfits and urged the National Assembly to begin legislative work to allow states that desire it to establish state police.
He cautioned state authorities against siting boarding schools in remote, unsecured locations and advised worship centres to constantly liaise with security agencies for protection, especially in high-risk areas.
On the persistent farmers–herders crisis, the President urged herder associations to embrace ranching through the newly established Livestock Ministry and to surrender illegal weapons, describing it as the sustainable path to peace.
Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and paid tribute to fallen troops, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he warned.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies.
“We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” the statement concluded.
