Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency

President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures that include one of the largest police and military recruitment drives in recent years.

The move comes as Nigeria faces a resurgence of violent attacks across several states. In a national statement, Tinubu emphasized that the scale and intensity of recent security breaches demand urgent, coordinated action, stressing that “the times require all hands on deck.”

Under the directive, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorized to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising its ongoing recruitment drive to 50,000 personnel. The Nigerian Army has also received approval for expanded enlistment to reinforce troops across various theatres of operation. To accelerate training, NYSC camps will serve as temporary depots alongside upgraded facilities nationwide.

Tinubu further ordered police officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties to undergo crash reorientation courses before redeployment to vulnerable communities. The Department of State Services (DSS) has been directed to deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits, with additional personnel to be recruited for forest security operations.

The President commended recent coordinated efforts by security agencies, including the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State. He assured that operations are ongoing to secure students still held hostage in Niger State and elsewhere.

Tinubu also urged the National Assembly to review the legal framework for establishing state police, encouraged governors to reconsider remote boarding schools without adequate protection, and advised places of worship in vulnerable areas to seek constant security support. He reiterated his administration’s backing for local security outfits and emphasized the role of the newly established Livestock Ministry in resolving herder–farmer conflicts.

Extending condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, Tinubu paid tribute to fallen personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. He reassured Nigerians of the government’s determination to keep the country safe, declaring: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. Together we shall win.”