President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced a nationwide security emergency and ordered a major recruitment drive across the Nigerian Police Force and the Armed Forces as the country battles worsening insecurity.
In a statement from the State House, the president directed the police to add 20,000 new officers, raising the total intake to 50,000. He also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps camps as temporary training centres.
The statement said, “Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.”
It continued, “The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000. Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.”
Tinubu also instructed that officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties be given quick training so they can be deployed to troubled areas.
The president gave the Department of State Services approval to deploy trained forest guards to target terrorists and bandits hiding in forests. He also ordered more personnel to support these operations.
He said, “My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”
Tinubu praised security agencies for rescuing 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, and pledged that efforts would continue to free students still held in Niger State.
He also honoured troops who died in recent attacks, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
The president urged the National Assembly to amend laws to allow states to create their own police forces where necessary. He also asked local councils and religious bodies to improve security in their communities.
Tinubu highlighted the government’s push for ranching through the Livestock Ministry, calling on herders to stop open grazing and hand in illegal weapons.
He said, “Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all.”
He advised states to avoid placing boarding schools in remote areas without proper security and urged mosques and churches in vulnerable areas to work closely with security agencies.
Calling on citizens to stay alert, the president said, “Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
The statement ended with a call for unity and prayers for the safety of security personnel.
