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In response to escalating security challenges across Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the immediate recruitment of additional personnel into the Armed Forces and the Police Force.
By the presidential directive, the police are set to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising the total new intake to 50,000 personnel. The army and other security agencies have also been authorized to expand their manpower to reinforce operations in security-challenged areas.
The President instructed that officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties undergo crash training to enhance operational efficiency before redeployment to critical zones. In addition, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps will serve as temporary training depots to expedite the preparation of the new recruits.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has been empowered to deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in the nation’s forests.
The DSS is also authorized to recruit additional personnel to secure these areas.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” President Tinubu stated.
He emphasized the administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity decisively.
President Tinubu lauded the courage and sacrifice of security agencies involved in recent rescue operations, including the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State.
He reassured Nigerians of continued efforts to rescue remaining abducted students in Niger State and other hostage situations.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he said.
The President also pledged federal support for state governments that have established security outfits, and called on the National Assembly to review existing laws to facilitate the creation of state police where required.
In addition, he urged religious institutions and schools in remote areas to seek police protection, stressing that vulnerable soft targets must be safeguarded.
Addressing the persistent clashes between herders and farmers, President Tinubu called on herder associations to end open grazing, surrender illegal weapons, and embrace ranching, which he described as a sustainable solution to livestock farming and national harmony.
The President sympathized with families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe,” he warned.
President Tinubu concluded by urging citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, emphasizing national unity in the fight against insecurity:
“We are in this fight together, and together we shall win. May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.”
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