Amid rising security challenges across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and directed significant measures to strengthen the country’s law enforcement and military capacity.
In a statement signed personally, the President authorised the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces to recruit additional personnel, with the police expected to increase their force by 20,000 officers, bringing total recruitment to 50,000. He also instructed the use of National Youth Service Corps camps as temporary police training facilities to accelerate deployment.
The President further called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in the nation’s forests and authorised the recruitment of additional personnel to secure these high-risk areas.
“The times require all hands on deck. Nigerians must actively participate in safeguarding our nation,” Tinubu said, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Highlighting broader security reforms, Tinubu asked the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to allow states that wish to establish their own police forces to do so. He also advised state governments to reconsider building schools in remote areas without adequate security and encouraged religious institutions in vulnerable regions to seek police protection during gatherings.
On the issue of herder-farmer conflicts, the President reiterated the federal government’s support for ranching as a sustainable solution, calling on herder associations to end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. He cited the creation of the Livestock Ministry as a key step toward addressing recurring clashes and promoting national harmony.
President Tinubu commended security agencies for their recent operations, including the safe release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and expressed solidarity with families affected by attacks in Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara states. He paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, and urged the military to maintain discipline, integrity, and resolve in ongoing operations.
“The government is taking decisive action to secure our citizens and restore peace. This administration will continue to provide the support needed to achieve these goals,” Tinubu stated, emphasising that there would be no tolerance for collusion or negligence within the security sector.
The announcement marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to overhaul its security architecture, combining immediate tactical responses with long-term structural reforms aimed at preventing future attacks and safeguarding national stability.
