President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling a sweeping set of measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to escalating insecurity, including authorising large-scale recruitment into the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement issued from the State House on Wednesday, the President said the country had reached a decisive moment that required “all hands on deck” and immediate reinforcement of national security structures.
Okay News reports that the declaration marks one of the administration’s strongest policy interventions since taking office.
Under the directive, the Nigeria Police Force will recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising the total number of new officers to 50,000.
The President also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots to accelerate police deployment nationwide.
He further ordered that police officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties must undergo “crash training” before being reassigned to high-risk security areas.
The statement also confirmed that the Nigerian Army has been authorised to expand its ranks immediately.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” the President said, directing the DSS to deploy already-trained forest guards and begin fresh recruitment to secure forest corridors long exploited by insurgents and bandits.
Tinubu praised security agencies for securing the release of abducted students in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State, but stressed that the rescue of students still held in Niger State remains a top priority.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage. This is a challenging moment for our nation. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” he said.
The President also urged the National Assembly to begin work on laws enabling states that desire it to establish state police, saying the time had come to decentralise policing.
In a broad message addressing education, religious institutions and communal safety, Tinubu advised states to reassess the operation of remote boarding schools, and urged mosques and churches in vulnerable areas to seek enhanced security coverage.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the cycle of farmer-herder clashes, calling on herder associations to embrace ranching under the Ministry of Livestock Development, abandon open grazing, and surrender illegal arms.
Tinubu extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, honouring fallen soldiers including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he warned. “This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe.”
The President concluded by urging Nigerians to stay calm, vigilant and united.
“Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
