Summary
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday announced a nationwide security emergency in response to the surge in attacks, killings, and mass abductions carried out by armed groups and suspected terrorists across the country.
In a statement he personally signed, Tinubu said the government was adopting stronger measures to confront the deepening security crisis, including ordering fresh recruitment into both the Nigerian Armed Forces and the police force.
“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.
By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000,” he said.
Tinubu added that the administration had earlier approved upgrades to police training facilities nationwide and would now allow the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training centres. He explained that officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties would undergo “crash training” before being deployed to areas dealing with severe security threats.
‘Flush Out Terrorists’
The President also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to “flush out” criminal elements hiding in forested regions.
“The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.
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 said.
‘No Compromise’
Tinubu praised the security agencies for their coordination in securing the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and worshippers taken in Kwara, while assuring continued efforts to rescue the students kidnapped in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held captive.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces… There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you…”
He also pledged full support for state-run security outfits working to safeguard their communities from terrorist attacks.
Law Review and National Strategy
Tinubu urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing relevant laws to permit states interested in establishing state police to do so. He also called for improved security arrangements in schools, especially boarding institutions in remote areas, and advised religious centres to prioritise security collaboration with police commands.
He noted that the establishment of the Livestock Ministry was part of efforts to reduce herder-farmer clashes and again urged herder associations to embrace ranching as the sustainable model for livestock production.
Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by the recent wave of attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to troops who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He warned that those threatening Nigeria should not mistake restraint for weakness, assuring that his administration had the resolve to restore peace.
“Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair… We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he stated.
Tinubu’s declaration follows nationwide outrage over worsening insecurity, including the killing of at least five people in Kebbi and Kwara, as well as the kidnapping of over 300 children from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, and St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.
What You Should Know
President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, authorising massive recruitment into the police and military and directing security agencies to intensify operations across forests and high-risk regions.
His decision follows a series of deadly attacks and mass abductions in Kebbi, Niger, and other states.
The President also called for legal reforms to allow state police, urged tighter school and religious-centre security, and warned that terrorists would no longer find refuge as the government increases boots on the ground.
