President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a national security emergency, authorising a fresh recruitment drive across the Nigerian Police Force and the Armed Forces in a bid to tackle rising insecurity across the country.
A statement released from the State House confirmed that the President has directed the Nigeria Police to enlist 20,000 new officers, increasing the total planned intake to 50,000 personnel. Tinubu further approved the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as police training centres to accelerate deployment.
“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” the President announced.
“The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”
Tinubu explained that although upgrades to police training facilities had earlier been approved, security agencies may now convert NYSC camps into training depots for faster mobilisation. He also directed that officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties undergo rapid retraining before redeployment to high-risk zones across the country.
DSS to Deploy Forest Guards, Bandit Hotspots Targeted
The President also authorised the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy specially trained forest guards to combat terrorists hiding in Nigeria’s forest regions. Additional manpower is expected to be recruited to reinforce the operation.
“This is a national emergency,” Tinubu said.
“We are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck.”
Commends Rescue Operations, Seeks Legal Backing for State Police
Tinubu praised security agencies for the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, pledging continued efforts to secure students still held hostage in Niger State. He paid tribute to fallen officers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was killed in recent counter-terror operations.
The President also urged the National Assembly to consider legislation enabling states to establish state police where needed. He called on local authorities, schools, churches, mosques, and other public institutions to increase security vigilance.
Push for Ranching — Open Grazing to End
Tinubu highlighted the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development, urging herders to embrace ranching, drop illegal arms, and move away from open grazing to reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said.
Final Message to Nigerians
Tinubu called on citizens to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and report suspicious activity, assuring the nation of government commitment to restore peace.
“We are in this fight together — and together we shall win,” he concluded.
“May God bless Nigeria and protect our armed forces.”
