Tinubu Declares National Security Emergency, Orders Major Police And Army Recruitment
President Bola Tinubu has declared a national security emergency as Nigeria faces a troubling rise in violent attacks across several states. In a strongly worded address released Wednesday night, the President said the recent wave of insecurity demands an urgent and united response, stressing that “the times require all hands on deck.”
As part of the new measures, the President approved what will become one of the largest security recruitment drives in years. The Nigeria Police Force has been cleared to recruit an additional 20,000 officers—bringing its current recruitment target to 50,000—while the Nigerian Army has also been given the green light to expand its enlistment to strengthen forces deployed across conflict zones.
To fast-track the recruitment process, Tinubu authorized the police to use NYSC camps as temporary training centres. He also ordered that officers recently withdrawn from VIP escort duties undergo accelerated retraining before being reassigned to vulnerable communities.
In another major move, the Department of State Services (DSS) has been instructed to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to track and dislodge terrorists and bandits operating from forest hideouts. The agency will also begin recruiting additional personnel dedicated specifically to forest security operations.
“This is a national emergency,” Tinubu said. “We are responding by putting more boots on the ground, especially in the areas that need them most. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
The President praised security agencies for recent breakthroughs, including the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State. He added that efforts are ongoing to free students still held captive in Niger State and others being held elsewhere.
Tinubu also urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would allow states, if they choose, to establish their own police forces. He called on governors to rethink the operation of remote boarding schools without proper protection and advised religious centres in high-risk areas to work closely with security agencies.
He noted that the federal government will continue to support states that have set up local security outfits, adding that the newly established Livestock Ministry plays a crucial role in addressing long-standing herder–farmer clashes. Herders were again encouraged to embrace ranching, abandon open grazing, and surrender illegal arms.
The President offered his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in recent attacks across Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and he paid tribute to security personnel who died in the line of duty, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Reaffirming his administration’s determination, Tinubu stated: “Those who want to test our resolve should not mistake our restraint for weakness. This government has the courage and the will to keep Nigeria safe.”
He urged Nigerians to stay calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies. “Nigeria will overcome this difficult moment through unity and shared responsibility,” he said. “Let us stand together to defend our freedom and our values. Together, we will win.”
