Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment Into Armed Forces

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling a sweeping set of measures that include massive recruitment into the armed forces and an overhaul of police training, deployment, and operational capacity.

The President said the escalating attacks across several states have made it necessary to “deploy more boots on the ground” and restructure the country’s response to terrorism, banditry, and mass abductions.

Under the new directive, the police are authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising the total number of new officers approved this year to 50,000. The President also ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP guard duties, saying they must undergo crash retraining before being redeployed to frontline areas. He further authorised the police to make use of National Youth Service Corps camps as temporary training depots to speed up preparations for the expanded force.

Tinubu also granted approval to the army for immediate additional recruitment as part of what he described as a decisive national response to emerging security threats. He said the Department of State Services must deploy all already-trained forest guards to flush out terrorists hiding in Nigeria’s forests while also recruiting more personnel to reinforce the operation. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he said.

The President praised the security agencies for the recent rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the 38 worshippers freed in Kwara, saying the renewed offensive will focus on securing the remaining kidnapped victims in Niger and other parts of the country.

The nation’s leader warned security personnel against compromise or negligence, noting that Nigerians are counting on them to restore peace across all theatres of operation.

Tinubu also called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing the law to allow states that require state police to set them up. He pledged federal support for states that have established local security outfits and urged state governments to rethink locating boarding schools in remote areas without adequate protection. He added that mosques and churches in vulnerable areas should consistently seek police and security cover for large gatherings.

Addressing long-standing herder–farmer conflicts, the President asked herder associations to embrace the new Livestock Ministry’s framework, halt open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons. He said ranching is now the viable path for sustainable livestock production and national harmony, adding that both federal and state governments would work together to end the crisis permanently.

Tinubu sympathised with families affected by attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara, and paid tribute to security personnel who have died in the line of duty, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. He said those attempting to test the government’s resolve should not mistake restraint for weakness, assuring citizens that the administration has the will and capacity to secure the nation.

The President urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and united, emphasising that the fight against insecurity requires collective effort.

He said his administration remains committed to protecting lives, preserving national unity and ensuring peaceful coexististence across the country.