President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the worsening security situation across several states, announcing sweeping measures that include major recruitment drives across security agencies and the immediate deployment of trained personnel to high-risk areas.
In a statement he signed, the president authorised the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force to embark on large-scale recruitment. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising the total ongoing recruitment to 50,000 personnel.
Tinubu also approved the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training facilities to accelerate police preparation, following earlier upgrades to existing police training schools. Officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo accelerated retraining before being redeployed to volatile regions.
The president further directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to dislodge terrorists and bandits hiding in forests nationwide. The agency has also been authorised to recruit more personnel to strengthen its forest operations.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” Tinubu said, urging citizens to remain vigilant and actively support security agencies. “The times require all hands on deck.”
The president commended security operatives for recently securing the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State, and pledged sustained efforts to rescue remaining hostages, including students of a Catholic school in Niger State.
Tinubu praised the Armed Forces for their sacrifices and charged them to uphold professionalism and discipline amid intensified operations. He paid tribute to personnel who have lost their lives, including Brigadier General Musa Uba.
The president also reaffirmed federal support for state-backed security outfits and urged the National Assembly to review laws to enable states seeking to establish state police to do so.
