President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency in response to rising insecurity across the country, directing the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to immediately embark on large-scale recruitment and deployment operations.
The announcement, contained in an official State House statement on Wednesday, outlined sweeping measures aimed at boosting manpower and intensifying counter-terrorism efforts, especially in areas plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and extremist attacks.
According to the President, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising the ongoing recruitment target to 50,000 officers. He also approved the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training centres to accelerate preparation of new recruits.
Tinubu further directed that police officers withdrawn from VIP protection should undergo a crash retraining programme before being redeployed to frontline operations in high-risk communities.
The DSS, he said, has been empowered to deploy already-trained forest guards to flush out armed criminals hiding in forested regions. The agency will also recruit additional personnel to strengthen surveillance and forest security. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” the President declared.
Commending security agencies for the successful rescue of 24 abducted Kebbi schoolgirls and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State, Tinubu reassured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to free remaining hostages, including students abducted in Niger State.
The President urged the military to remain disciplined and resolute, insisting there must be “no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence” in the renewed operations. He pledged full federal support to the armed forces and applauded the sacrifice of fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Tinubu also encouraged states operating local security outfits to continue collaborating with federal agencies, and urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
He cautioned states against siting boarding schools in remote locations without adequate security and urged religious institutions to seek police protection during major gatherings, particularly in vulnerable areas.
On herder–farmer conflicts, the President reiterated that ranching is now the accepted pathway for modern livestock management. He urged herders to embrace the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock and surrender illegal weapons.
Tinubu expressed condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara states. He urged citizens not to give in to fear but to remain united, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies.
“This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace,” he said, calling on Nigerians to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security forces.
The President concluded by praying for the safety of the armed forces and the continued peace of the nation.