President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the escalating wave of attacks across several states, unveiling a sweeping set of measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
In a national address, President Tinubu announced immediate additional recruitment into the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force, marking one of the boldest security overhauls of his administration. The Nigeria Police Force has been authorized to enlist 20,000 extra officers, bringing the total number of new recruits to 50,000. To fast-track the process, the president approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots, complementing ongoing upgrades to standard police training facilities.
He also directed that police personnel withdrawn from VIP escort duties be retrained and redeployed to critical security flashpoints, ensuring a greater presence where the need is most urgent.
In a similar move, the Department of State Services (DSS) has been granted immediate approval to deploy already-trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits operating from Nigeria’s forest belts. The agency has also been instructed to recruit additional manpower to secure the nation’s vast forest areas, which have become safe havens for criminal elements over the years.
“This is a national emergency,” President Tinubu said, emphasizing that more boots on the ground are needed to reverse the growing security threats. He urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and collaborate with security agencies, stressing that securing the nation is a collective responsibility.
The president praised the efforts of security operatives who successfully secured the release of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He reassured families of victims still in captivity— including students of a Catholic school in Niger State— that rescue operations remain ongoing.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting security outfits established by state governments, affirming that every viable initiative to protect citizens will receive federal backing. He called on the National Assembly to review relevant laws to allow states that seek to establish state police to do so, further decentralizing Nigeria’s security framework.
He urged state governments to reconsider operating boarding schools in remote areas without adequate protection and advised worship centres in vulnerable areas to work closely with security agencies to ensure safety during gatherings.
On the recurring herder–farmer clashes, the president appealed to herder associations to embrace ranching and take advantage of the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. He called for an end to open grazing and urged the submission of illegal firearms, stressing that modern ranching is the sustainable solution moving forward.
President Tinubu expressed deep condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. He paid special tribute to gallant military personnel who lost their lives, including the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba, describing their service as the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria’s peace.
Warning those undermining national security, he stated firmly: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.”
He encouraged citizens to remain calm, united, and hopeful, assuring that the government remains determined to restore lasting peace across all regions.
“Let us stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values,” the president said. “Together, we shall win.”
The address concluded with prayers for the safety of Nigeria’s armed forces and continued peace for the nation.
