President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday declared a nationwide security emergency following the escalating wave of abductions and violent attacks across the country.
The President also directed the Nigerian Army and the Police to embark on immediate large-scale recruitment to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
In a personally signed statement, Tinubu instructed the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to permit states ready to establish their own police structures to do so.
He further ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all already-trained forest guards without delay to flush out terrorists and bandits operating from forested regions.
He said the agency had also been authorised to recruit additional personnel to secure the nation’s forests, insisting that “there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
Army, Police to Recruit More Personnel
According to the President, the worsening security situation required decisive action.
“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 said.
He explained that the police had been cleared to recruit another 20,000 officers, raising the total current recruitment to 50,000.
Tinubu added that although he previously approved the upgrade of police training facilities nationwide, police authorities were now permitted to use National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training depots.
He directed that police officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties should undergo intensive retraining before deployment to volatile areas.
DSS to Deploy Forest Guards
Tinubu reiterated that the DSS had full presidential backing to send forest guards into identified hideouts of criminals.
He emphasised the need for more personnel to safeguard forest belts across the country.
“This is a national emergency,” he said. “We are responding by deploying more boots on the ground. The times require all hands on deck.”
Commends Security Agencies After Recent Rescues
The President praised the military, police and DSS for the successful rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State.
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He assured that efforts were ongoing to free students of a Catholic school in Niger State and other citizens still held captive.
Tinubu also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, describing their sacrifice as “the ultimate price for national peace.”
Supports State Security Initiatives
The President reaffirmed his administration’s support for state-led security outfits established to complement federal forces.
He urged state governments to prioritise the safety of boarding schools located in remote areas and encouraged places of worship in vulnerable communities to seek police protection.
He again called on the National Assembly to review legislation to allow willing states to adopt state policing.
Calls for End to Open Grazing
Tinubu appealed to herder associations to embrace ranching, surrender illegal firearms and abandon open grazing practices.
He said the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock was aimed at resolving persistent herder-farmer clashes.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said.
Warns Criminal Elements
The President issued a stern warning to violent groups challenging national security, saying his administration should not be mistaken for weak.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he cautioned.
Tinubu urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
“We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he added.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
