By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating attacks, abductions, and terror-related incidents across several states. The President announced sweeping measures, including large-scale recruitment into security agencies and the rapid deployment of personnel to vulnerable areas.
“In view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” Tinubu said in a statement he personally signed. Under the directive, the Nigeria Police Force is authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising new intake to 50,000. The military is also cleared to expand its ranks.
Tinubu disclosed that various National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps will serve as temporary training facilities, complementing upgrades previously approved for police training centres. He also ordered officers withdrawn from VIP security assignments to undergo accelerated training before redeployment to frontline areas.
The President further directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to clear out criminal groups operating from forests nationwide, with instructions to recruit more personnel as needed. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he said.
Tinubu commended security agencies for securing the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rescuing the remaining students of a Catholic school in Niger State and others still being held captive.
Addressing the Armed Forces, he urged them to remain disciplined and resolute: “This is a challenging moment for our nation. I charge you to restore peace across all theatres of operation. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.”
Tinubu also expressed support for state-backed security outfits and asked the National Assembly to review laws to enable states willing to establish their own police forces.
He advised state governments to reconsider siting boarding schools in isolated areas without adequate security and urged religious institutions in vulnerable locations to seek police protection for large gatherings.
On addressing persistent herder–farmer clashes, Tinubu appealed to herders to embrace ranching, take advantage of the newly created Livestock Ministry, and surrender illegal weapons. “Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said.
The President extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara states 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.
Calling for unity and vigilance, Tinubu urged citizens to report suspicious activities and support security efforts. “These are challenging times, but together we shall win,” he said.
The declaration follows widespread anxiety over a surge in violence, including the killing of at least five people in Kebbi and Kwara and the abduction of more than 300 students from schools in Kebbi and Niger states.
