BREAKING NEWS: PRESIDENT TINUBU DECLARES NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCY — ORDERS MASS RECRUITMENT INTO ARMY AND POLIC
The Presidency has announced a nationwide Security Emergency, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorizing a major overhaul and expansion of Nigeria’s security architecture in response to escalating threats across the country.
In an official State House statement released on Wednesday, President Tinubu directed the Nigerian Army and Police to commence immediate large-scale recruitment to strengthen frontline operations in vulnerable regions.
According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force will recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising the total number of new recruits to 50,000 officers nationwide. The President also granted approval for the temporary use of NYSC Orientation Camps as training centres to fast-track the process.
Furthermore, police officers previously assigned to VIP protection duties are to undergo intensive retraining before being deployed to critical security hotspots.
In addition, President Tinubu authorized the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards to root out terrorists and bandits hiding within forests across the country. He also directed the recruitment of more personnel for forest operations, declaring that “there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
The President praised the recent successful operations that led to the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and worshippers in Kwara, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing the release of the remaining abducted students in Niger State.
President Tinubu issued firm warnings to security agencies, charging them to remain disciplined, resolute, and uncompromising in restoring peace across all theatres of operation.
He further urged the National Assembly to begin legislative work toward allowing states that desire it to establish state police, stressing the need for modern security structures that match Nigeria’s current realities.
The President also advised states to avoid building boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security and encouraged places of worship in vulnerable communities to seek consistent police protection.
Speaking on the ongoing herder–farmer crisis, President Tinubu called on herders to embrace the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, end open grazing, and surrender illegal firearms as the nation moves toward ranching-based livestock production.
Extending condolences to families affected by recent attacks in northern states, the President paid special tribute to fallen military personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, describing their sacrifices as heroic and unforgettable.
President Tinubu called on all Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and united, insisting that the government has the will and capacity to defeat the escalating security threats.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he said.
“We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
The address concluded with prayers for the safety of Nigerian troops and continued peace across the nation.