President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the Armed Forces, police and intelligence agencies to immediately embark on expanded recruitment, intensified operations and strategic deployments aimed at combating terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
In a national broadcast from the State House on Tuesday, President Tinubu authorised the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising its current recruitment figure to 50,000. He also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities to fast-track the process.
He further ordered the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP protection duties, directing that they be subjected to crash training ahead of redeployment to security-challenged regions.
“The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation,” the President said. “This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.”
President Tinubu also gave the Department of State Services (DSS) immediate authority to deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests nationwide. He further directed the DSS to recruit additional personnel to fortify security around Nigeria’s borders and forested regions.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he declared.
Commending the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, the President acknowledged the sacrifices of security agencies and paid tribute to fallen military officers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He charged military commanders and field units to remain resolute, warning against compromise and negligence. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he said.
President Tinubu also called on the National Assembly to expedite legislative reviews to support states wishing to establish their own police formations. He pledged federal support to state-backed security outfits battling local threats.
He urged religious institutions to liaise with security agencies for protection, particularly in vulnerable communities, and cautioned state governments against locating boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security.
Speaking on the persistent clashes between herders and farmers, President Tinubu reminded Nigerians that his administration established the Ministry of Livestock Development to manage and resolve livelihood and land-use conflicts.
“I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said.
Offering condolences to victims of recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States, the President vowed that his administration would show resolve and not weakness in tackling security threats.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” Tinubu said.
He urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant, report suspicious activities and work hand-in-hand with security operatives.
“Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said.
The President ended his address with a prayer for the nation and its armed forces.
