ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency following a surge in killings, abductions, and coordinated attacks by terrorists and armed gangs across several states.
The President also issued far-reaching directives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and accelerating on-ground response in vulnerable communities.
In a statement personally signed by him, Tinubu ordered immediate additional recruitment into the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the security situation required urgent, extraordinary measures.
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, he announced.
According to the President, the police will recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising the ongoing recruitment figure to 50,000 officers.
He also authorized the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training depots, while officers previously assigned to VIP protection will undergo crash training before redeployment to high-risk areas.
Tinubu further directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to identify and eliminate suspected terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across the country.
He added that more forest guards would be recruited, stating that there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.
The President appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies and remain vigilant:
This is a national emergency. We are responding by deploying more boots on the ground. The times require all hands-on deck.
Tinubu commended security agencies for successfully coordinating the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State.
He also vowed that the government would sustain efforts to free the remaining students at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State and other citizens still in captivity.
To the military, he issued a stern charge: There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.
The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.
The President also pledged federal support for state-established security outfits working to protect communities from attacks.
Tinubu urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing Nigeria’s laws to allow states interested in establishing state police to do so.
He also advised state governments to avoid locating boarding schools in isolated areas without adequate security.
He appealed to religious centres in vulnerable regions to work closely with security agencies to protect congregations during prayers.
The President also referenced the newly created Livestock Ministry, urging herders to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal firearms.
Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony, he said.
Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to soldiers who died in the line of duty, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He warned those threatening Nigeria’s stability not to mistake government restraint for weakness: This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe.
The President urged Nigerians to remain calm, report suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security agencies.
Tinubu’s declaration comes amid renewed concerns after multiple deadly attacks and widespread kidnappings, including the abduction of over 300 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
