…Orders Massive Recruitment Into Armed Forces
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency on Wednesday, unveiling the most sweeping security measures of his administration amid rising attacks across several states.
The President said the new directive would put “more boots on the ground” as part of an urgent effort to contain terrorist and bandit assaults targeting schools, worship centres and rural communities.
In a statement issued from the State House, Tinubu announced immediate additional recruitment into the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
“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.
Under the directive, the police will recruit 20,000 additional officers, thereby increasing the current intake to 70,000.
President Tinubu added that previously approved upgrades of police training facilities would continue, but henceforth “the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.”
He also ordered police officers withdrawn from VIP guard duty to undergo “crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.”
The President further empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to intensify counter-terrorism operations by deploying trained forest guards and recruiting more personnel.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he declared.
The President described the moment as a turning point in the country’s security response.
In his words, “My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”
He commended security agencies for the recent rescue of abducted victims, including “the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State,” adding that efforts were ongoing to secure remaining students kidnapped in Niger State and others held captive nationwide.
To security personnel, Tinubu issued a stern charge: “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.”
The President also threw his support behind states establishing their own security outfits and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would allow states seeking to form state police to proceed.
He warned states to reconsider locating boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security, and urged religious institutions to seek police protection during worship gatherings in vulnerable locations.
Addressing the long-running herder–farmer conflict, Tinubu appealed to herder associations to embrace the new Ministry of Livestock Development.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said, calling on herders to “take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.”
He expressed sympathy with 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.
President Tinubu warned that those challenging the state’s authority “should never mistake our restraint for weakness.”
The President urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security efforts. “Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair… We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
The statement concluded with a prayer: “May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.”
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