President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered the Nigerian Army and Police to conduct a massive recruitment drive to strengthen the country’s security apparatus. In a statement issued to POLITICS NIGERIA on Wednesday evening, Tinubu instructed the Police to use National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps across the country as training centers for new recruits. The President said, “In view of the emerging security situation, I have declared a nationwide security emergency and directed additional recruitment into the Armed Forces. The police will recruit 20,000 additional officers, bringing their total to 50,000.” He added that officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties should undergo crash training to prepare them for deployment to areas with heightened security challenges. Tinubu also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards to tackle terrorists and bandits and to recruit more personnel for forest security operations, ensuring that no area serves as a hideout for criminals. “This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged regions. Every Nigerian has a role to play in securing the nation,” the President said. He commended security agencies for their efforts in rescuing 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and pledged continued operations to free remaining hostages, including students in Niger State. Tinubu called on the Armed Forces to uphold discipline, integrity, and vigilance, stressing that there must be no compromise, collusion, or negligence. He also assured state governments of federal support for security initiatives within their jurisdictions. The President urged the National Assembly to review laws to allow states to establish state police where needed and advised religious institutions and schools in remote areas to ensure adequate security measures. On the issue of herder-farmer conflicts, Tinubu encouraged herders to adopt ranching, surrender illegal weapons, and work with the government to achieve sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. He expressed condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. Tinubu warned that attempts to test the government’s resolve should not mistake its restraint for weakness. He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, emphasizing, “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
