President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced a nationwide security emergency in response to the escalating attacks across the country. As part of the new measures, he has approved massive recruitment drives for both the Nigerian Army and the Police.
In an address personally signed by the President, he directed the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel—raising the total new intake to 50,000. He also authorised the use of NYSC camps as temporary training facilities and ordered withdrawn VIP police escorts to undergo rapid retraining for deployment to high-risk areas.
The President further instructed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in the nation’s forests. The DSS has also been mandated to recruit more operatives to strengthen forest security.
“This is a national emergency,” the President said. “We are responding by putting more boots on the ground. There will be no hiding place for agents of evil.”
Tinubu commended security agencies for the successful rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, and assured that efforts to free remaining hostages—including the abducted Catholic school students in Niger State—will continue relentlessly.
He charged the Armed Forces to remain courageous, disciplined, and uncompromising, noting that the nation is depending on their resolve.
The President also backed states that have created local security outfits and urged the National Assembly to begin the legal process to allow states that desire it to establish state police.
Addressing recent attacks across Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, President Tinubu expressed condolences to bereaved families and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
On the lingering farmer–herder crisis, the President restated that ranching is now the sustainable path forward and urged herder associations to embrace the new Livestock Ministry, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
He advised states to avoid siting boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas and encouraged mosques and churches in vulnerable communities to seek security presence during gatherings.
Warning those threatening national stability, he said: “Do not mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep Nigeria safe.”
Tinubu called on citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies.
“We are in this fight together,” he said. “Together, we shall win. May God bless Nigeria and protect our armed forces.”
