President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures to reinforce Nigeria’s defence architecture amid rising threats across several states.
The President, in a statement on Wednesday, ordered an immediate scale-up of personnel in the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
He stated that the police are to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising the ongoing recruitment figure to 50,000, while the army and other security agencies have been cleared to commence fresh enlistments.
“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.
“By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000,” the President said.
Tinubu also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, camps as temporary police training depots to accelerate mobilisation.
Officers previously assigned to VIP protection duties are to undergo rapid retraining and redeployed to frontline operations.
The President directed the Department of State Services, DSS, to deploy its already-trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests, while authorising further recruitment to strengthen the unit.
“The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he vowed.
While commending recent rescue operations in Kebbi and Kwara, Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s resolve to free all remaining hostages, including students abducted in Niger State.
He praised the Armed Forces for their sacrifice, urging them to maintain discipline and intensify efforts across all theatres of operation.
The President also threw his support behind states operating security outfits and urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to enable state police where necessary.
“I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them. States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas,” he said.
He advised states to avoid poorly secured boarding schools and urged religious centres to seek police protection in vulnerable areas.
Addressing herder–farmer conflicts, Tinubu reiterated that ranching, supported by the new Livestock Ministry, remains the sustainable path forward, urging herder groups to end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.
He condoled with families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States, paying tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba,” he said.
While calling for national unity and vigilance, Tinubu urged Nigerians to reject fear and assist security agencies.
“Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values.
“Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union. I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant. Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said.
The President warned that “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 and ensure our citizens live in peace.”
