President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the Nigerian Police Force and the Armed Forces to embark on massive recruitment to counter the rising wave of insecurity across the country.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued from the State House on Wednesday.
According to the directive, the President has ordered the police to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, increasing the total planned intake to 50,000. He also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training centres for the new recruits.
Tinubu warned that the government’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, assuring Nigerians that decisive action will be taken against criminal elements.
The President further instructed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to dislodge terrorists and bandits hiding in forests nationwide. He also authorised the recruitment of more personnel for forest security operations, stressing that criminals would no longer have safe havens.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He added that officers currently withdrawn from VIP protection duties must undergo accelerated retraining before being deployed to high-risk areas.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain united, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies, noting that success requires collective effort.
The President commended security operatives for securing the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State, and pledged sustained efforts to rescue the remaining abducted students in Niger State as well as other citizens still in captivity.
He also charged the military to remain resolute:
“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.”
