President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to rising insecurity across the country. The President announced the directive during a State House address, outlining immediate steps to expand security manpower, enhance inter-agency coordination, and intensify operations against criminal elements.
Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising the total number of newly approved recruits to 50,000 personnel. The President also approved the temporary use of NYSC camps as training depots, complementing the ongoing upgrade of police training facilities nationwide.
To boost frontline deployment, officers currently assigned to VIP protection will undergo accelerated retraining before being reassigned to areas affected by terrorism, banditry, and violent crime.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has also been instructed to deploy its already-trained forest guards immediately. The guards will join expanded operations to flush out bandits and insurgents hiding in forests nationwide. The DSS received further authorization to recruit more operatives to fortify forest security.
President Tinubu described the situation as a “national emergency,” urging citizens to participate actively in safeguarding their communities while reassuring the country that “there will be no hiding place for agents of evil.”
The President commended the military, police, and intelligence agencies for their cooperation in securing the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State. He pledged continued government support in ongoing rescue operations, including efforts to free abducted students in Niger State.
Addressing the Armed Forces, the President praised their “courage and sacrifice,” charging them to uphold discipline, integrity, and professionalism in restoring peace across all operational theatres. He warned against any form of compromise or negligence, affirming that the administration will provide all necessary resources to ensure their success.
Tinubu also expressed support for state-backed security outfits and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to enable states that require state police to establish their own forces.
The President urged state governments to reconsider operating boarding schools in remote areas, and advised mosques and churches especially in vulnerable communities to seek constant security protection.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to resolving farmer-herder conflicts, Tinubu encouraged herder associations to embrace the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development, abandon open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons. He reaffirmed that ranching remains the sustainable path forward for peace and agricultural stability.
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The President also extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, paying special tribute to fallen military personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Warning those who might challenge the government’s resolve, Tinubu said restraint must never be mistaken for weakness, emphasizing that his administration is fully committed to restoring peace and securing every Nigerian.
He urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, stressing that national unity and collective effort are fundamental to overcoming current threats.