Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment Into Army and Police
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national security emergency in response to the rising wave of violent attacks and kidnappings across several parts of Nigeria. In a personally signed statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, and shared on social media, the President directed the police and the army to immediately begin large-scale recruitment to strengthen security operations nationwide.
According to the statement, the President authorised the Nigerian Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising the total intake to 50,000 officers. He also instructed the police to adopt various NYSC camps across the country as temporary training centres, complementing the earlier approval for the upgrade of all police training facilities. Security officers withdrawn from VIP escort duties have also been mandated to undergo crash retraining before being deployed to conflict-prone areas.
Tinubu further empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards to comb forests and eliminate terrorists and bandits hiding in those locations. He also authorised the agency to recruit more personnel to strengthen forest security operations.
Citing numerous cases of killings and abductions in the past month — including incidents in Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Borno, Zamfara, and Yobe States — the President described the situation as a national emergency requiring urgent and collective action. While acknowledging the rescue of students in Kebbi and worshippers in Kwara, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing the freedom of over 200 abducted students in Niger State and other victims still in captivity.
He commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts, urging them to maintain discipline, integrity, and total commitment in ongoing operations. Tinubu reiterated that there must be no collusion, compromise, or negligence in the fight against criminal elements.
The President also pledged federal support for state governments that have established local security outfits to protect their people. He called on the National Assembly to commence the review of relevant laws to enable states willing to do so to establish state police, emphasising that the times require innovative solutions.
Tinubu cautioned state authorities to avoid situating boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security and advised religious centres—churches and mosques—especially in vulnerable regions, to constantly engage security agencies for protection during gatherings.
Speaking on the long-standing herder–farmer conflict, the President highlighted the rationale behind the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, urging herders to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons. He assured that the federal and state governments would work together to address the issue permanently.
President Tinubu expressed heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones in recent attacks and honoured fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who died in active service. He urged Nigerians not to succumb to fear or despair but to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies.
He concluded by affirming his administration’s resolve to restore peace, protect national unity, and ensure that all citizens live without fear.
“May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe,” the President said.
– Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
