President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling the most aggressive security overhaul of his administration yet. In a statement from the State House, the President directed the immediate expansion of Nigeria’s security personnel and the deployment of new tactical units to confront terrorists, bandits, and other armed groups operating across the country.
Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising its ongoing recruitment drive to 50,000. The Nigerian Army will also begin a fresh recruitment cycle to increase troop presence in volatile areas nationwide.
“Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together—and together, we shall win.” — President Bola Tinubu
To accelerate training, the President has approved the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as police training depots. Officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo rapid retraining before being reassigned to frontline operations.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has also received marching orders: all trained forest guards are to be deployed immediately to clear out criminal elements hiding in forest regions. The agency has been authorised to recruit more personnel to strengthen coverage across critical areas.
“This is a national emergency,” President Tinubu said. “We are responding by putting more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck.”
The President commended security agencies for their coordinated efforts in securing the release of the 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara. He assured the nation that operations to rescue students still held in Niger State and other victims across the country would continue with renewed intensity.
Tinubu also reaffirmed support for state-level security outfits and urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing legal frameworks to allow states that desire state police to establish them. He cautioned states against siting boarding schools in isolated areas without adequate security and encouraged religious centres to seek police protection where necessary.
Addressing long-standing tensions between farmers and herders, President Tinubu appealed to herder associations to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons. He reiterated that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development was designed to bring lasting stability to the sector.
The President expressed sympathy for families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“To those who want to test our resolve,” he warned, “never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe.”
He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and united: “Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together—and together, we shall win.”
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